Untitled

As an art student, Altaf was diligent, as his journals that he maintained for ten years from 1963-73 reveal. He would sketch regularly, and often berated himself if he missed sketching for a few days at a stretch. The result of regular practice is evident in this early drawing that delights with the intricate details that the artist incorporated in it. Leaving the upper half of the sheet blank helps in bringing focus to the busy lower half, which seems to be a small human settlement in the lap of a majestic mountain range. The details of vegetation, houses, light, and shadow are all deftly created in ink.