I grew up in the lap of nature, in Panchagani, Wai and Mahabaleshar. Mahabaleshar is a popular hill resort while Panchagani is well known for its residential schools and Tableland, the second largest plateau in Asia. Tall silver oaks, never ending mountain ranges, valleys with their mosaic of farms, plaything houses, wispy clouds gliding down the dale, the sky as if leaping over the landscape in varied colours each season and its reflection in the serene backwaters of the Dhom dam. No wonder the artist in me drew inspiration from this bowl of nectar.