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Breaths around brushstrokes

By Newsd
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Which child has not got a kick out of getting the hurriedly-done, slightly disproportionate and perhaps doodled portrait right? It could be the portrait of a leader or a popular actor.

There is something about portraits that gets children hooked. I was enchanted too. It also helped that we had an artist in the family. My aunt Rajul Dodhiwala, a talented artist brought all of us (a group of five cousins) closer to art by guiding us in the right direction.

I remember when I stood second in Standard 1 and got a art-pad as a prize, I was thrilled. My dad had got a family album with several professionals jumbled up and asked me to find the artist. I did consider art to be special since childhood.

Art remained a passive but live passion for a long time. While preparing for elementary and intermediate exams, we (cousins) got the fortune of being exposed to art through a very talented art teacher Mrs Soparkar.

One could spend hours just flipping the pages of her portfolio book. The ease with which she moved the pencils and guided a whole bunch of impatient children spoke a lot about her prowess.

In 1997, when I was in junior college, I started sketching cartoons from references (Archies, Laurel and Hardy, R K Laxmanji’s cartoons) and my interest in art revived.

It was around this time that I tried sketching celebrities from their references with not very encouraging results.

However, the connection with art only grew strong and I was comfortable doing a portrait over a weekend from supplements with a clear close-up of a celebrity.

Post 2008, while dealing with an unusual phase of life art came to the rescue again and I used the medium to release my angst. It was around this time that the frequency of artworks went up considerably. A sense of discipline set in while the output was strictly mediocre.

With time, the results started getting better. Visiting old paper marts for sourcing magazines such as Filmfare and Stardust became a part of my routine and I looked forward to weekends when I could sketch happily.

In 2010, I thought of taking a plunge in painting. I was skeptical of learning painting at 30 but decided to give it a shot. After some time, I gained confidence in choosing the right colours, using the appropriate brushes and developing patience to sit through the journey.

I have never shied away from sharing my talents with the world. I am guilty of overdoing it. However, what most don’t understand is that it is a pursuit to fetch respect for my talent and not desperation.

I started a blog – www.heartatart.blogspot.com and posted my works regularly to it.

As I started spreading the word, many appreciated my work, some offered suggestions as well. These things helped me grow.

I also benefited from learning under caricature artist Mr Vivek Thakkar (I learnt from him for close to 5 months).

I remember celebrity birthdays and push and promote my work on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn etc.

At this juncture, I am satisfied that my work has visibility and several celebrities have themselves appreciated it.

I paint directly and hence the proportions are not perfect but I am working on it.

I wish to be a full-fledged artist one day but as of now, I am intrigued by portraits.

I have been able to sell some portraits to interested buyers and have also done some commissioned work for those who want to get portraits of their loved ones done.

One keeps thinking of the many ways in which the huge collection featuring everyone from Raj Kapoor to Ranbir Kapoor, Amitabh Bachchan to SRK, Nutan to Kajol, Sharmila Tagore to Yami Gautam can be popularized.

It was a unique experience to exhibit my works outside Jehangir Art Gallery on 13 November 2016. I realized the plight of portrait artists who did live portraits for as less as Rs.300.

I do feel portrait art has its own challenges. So, the admiration for nature or slight disdain for celebrity portraits is disturbing but it is part of the game.

Having said that, I remain close to art and passionate about it. It is an extension of my personality and I maintain that art will always be a part of the heart.

 

Disclaimer: The opinions expressed in this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of NEWSD and NEWSD does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.

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