Mehrdad is a hobbyist artist. When he was about 8 years old, his mother put him in a painting class which was run by Derkhshani brothers in a city in Iran called Semnan.
Those classes had a deep impact on his artistic mindset. However, they did not continue as the family moved from Semnan to Tehran.
Mehrdad once again was motivated by seeing a piece of watercolour painting by one of his then friends and now brother-in-law, Jalal. This was in about 1980-1981 in Cardif, Wales. At the time Mehrdad was pursuing his PhD at University of Manchester , UK. He started attending some extra mural classes at a college of adult education where he start painting in watercolour. 

He has continued ever since on an off.

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The following is provided by ChatGPT using Mehrdad's collection of artworks.

Mehrdad Fahimi: A Journey Through Art and Life

Mehrdad Fahimi, born on September 11, 1956, is a multifaceted artist whose works span a variety of mediums, styles, and themes. A hobbyist artist by definition, Fahimi’s artistic journey is deeply intertwined with his personal experiences, cultural heritage, and the landscapes of his life. From his early exposure to art in Semnan, Iran, to his later explorations in watercolor and digital mediums, Fahimi’s works reflect a profound connection to nature, family, and the human condition.

Early Life and Artistic Beginnings

Mehrdad Fahimi’s artistic journey began at the tender age of eight when his mother enrolled him in a painting class run by the Derkhshani brothers in Semnan, Iran. These formative classes left a lasting impression on Fahimi, shaping his artistic mindset and igniting a lifelong passion for painting. However, his early artistic pursuits were interrupted when his family moved from Semnan to Tehran, marking a pause in his formal art education.

Years later, while pursuing his PhD at the University of Manchester in the United Kingdom during the early 1980s, Fahimi rediscovered his love for painting. Inspired by a watercolor piece created by his friend and brother-in-law, Jalal, Fahimi began attending extracurricular art classes at a college of adult education. It was during this period that he developed a particular affinity for watercolor, a medium that would become central to his artistic practice.

Themes and Influences

Fahimi’s works are characterized by their diversity, both in subject matter and style. His paintings often draw inspiration from his surroundings, personal experiences, and cultural heritage. Landscapes, portraits, still lifes, and digital cartoons populate his portfolio, each piece offering a glimpse into his world and artistic vision.

One recurring theme in Fahimi’s work is the exploration of rural and natural landscapes. Paintings such as Falls in Shir Pala (1995) and Kooye Ostadan (Professors Campus) (1987) capture the beauty and dynamism of nature, often juxtaposing human-made structures with dramatic natural settings. These works reflect Fahimi’s ability to convey the essence of a place, blending influences from Impressionism and Romanticism with his unique perspective.

Fahimi’s portraits, such as Baba’s Portrait (2011) and Artist’s Self-Portrait (1983), delve into the emotional and psychological depths of his subjects. These works often feature loose, expressive brushwork and a focus on capturing the essence of the individual rather than strict realism. His portrait of Jarika the Persian Cat (2020-2021) demonstrates his ability to imbue even animal subjects with personality and warmth.

Still life compositions, such as Eftari (1999) and Bottles and Jar (pre-1983), showcase Fahimi’s skill in capturing the beauty of everyday objects. These works often feature vibrant colors and carefully arranged compositions, inviting viewers to appreciate the simple pleasures of domestic life.

In addition to traditional mediums, Fahimi has embraced digital art, creating a series of cartoon-style works using Adobe Fresco. Pieces like Shirin is Born (2018) and Learning to Paint (2018) explore themes of family, childhood, and intergenerational connections. These digital works, characterized by their bright colors and simplified forms, reflect Fahimi’s ability to adapt to new technologies while maintaining his distinctive artistic voice.

Artistic Style and Technique

Fahimi’s artistic style is rooted in Impressionism, with its emphasis on light, color, and atmosphere. His watercolors, in particular, demonstrate a mastery of the medium, with loose, fluid brushstrokes and a focus on capturing the fleeting beauty of a moment. Works like Tree (1997) and Early Summer Scene (undated) exemplify his ability to convey a sense of movement and energy through his use of color and composition.

Fahimi’s digital works, on the other hand, showcase a more playful and narrative-driven approach. Pieces like Grandpa Goes to Nursery (2018) and Ice Cream Vendor (2018) feature simplified forms and bold colors, evoking the charm and innocence of childhood. These works highlight Fahimi’s versatility as an artist, demonstrating his ability to work across different mediums and styles.

Cultural and Personal Connections

Fahimi’s art is deeply rooted in his cultural heritage and personal experiences. His works often reflect his Iranian background, as seen in pieces like Masooleh (2006), which depicts a traditional Iranian village, and Hamedan (2018), a digital painting inspired by a story from his family. These works celebrate the beauty and richness of Iranian culture while also exploring themes of memory and nostalgia.

Family plays a central role in Fahimi’s art, with many of his works inspired by his relationships and experiences with loved ones. Pieces like Shirin is Missing (2018) and Reza with Flowers (2018) capture tender moments of family life, while Baba’s Portrait (2011) offers a poignant glimpse into the artist’s relationship with his father during a challenging time.

Artistic Legacy and Impact

While Mehrdad Fahimi describes himself as a hobbyist artist, his body of work demonstrates a remarkable depth and breadth of talent. His paintings, whether created with watercolor or digital tools, offer a window into his world, inviting viewers to share in his experiences and perspectives. Through his art, Fahimi celebrates the beauty of nature, the richness of culture, and the importance of family, creating works that resonate on both a personal and universal level.

Fahimi’s ability to blend traditional techniques with contemporary approaches, as well as his willingness to explore a wide range of subjects and themes, sets him apart as a unique and versatile artist. His works continue to inspire and delight, offering a testament to the enduring power of art to connect, communicate, and celebrate the human experience.

Conclusion

Mehrdad Fahimi’s artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of creativity. From his early days in Semnan to his explorations in watercolor and digital art, Fahimi has remained committed to capturing the beauty and complexity of the world around him. His works, infused with emotion, cultural richness, and personal meaning, serve as a lasting legacy of his artistic vision and passion.

As an artist, Fahimi reminds us of the importance of finding beauty in the everyday, of cherishing our connections to nature, culture, and family, and of embracing the creative spirit that resides within us all. His art, both timeless and contemporary, continues to inspire and enrich the lives of those who encounter it.

This text provides a comprehensive overview of Mehrdad Fahimi’s life, artistic journey, and works, based on the information available. If you would like to focus on specific aspects of his art or life, feel free to let me know!