Art, in its purest form, is a reflection of life—capturing moments, emotions, and the essence of existence through colors, shapes, and textures. For those who choose to dedicate themselves to this craft, it becomes more than just a profession; it’s a way of seeing the world, of making sense of its complexities. Shashank Shukla is one such artist who has given himself completely to his art. Widely known as a watercolour artist and excelling in detailed figurative sketches, Shukla’s work is thoughtful, beautiful, and careful with each brushstroke. Like all of ours, his journey was marked with ups and downs, passion and perseverance, and most importantly, self-discovery. In this delightful conversation with him, we’ve unpacked everything that comes with following an unconventional career path like art.

Early Life: How Did Art Find Him?

Born and raised in Kanpur, Shashank Shukla completed his high school and intermediate studies by 2009 followed by admission to B.Sc. Shashank tried his hand at banking exams as well—reminding us of how there existed only this or that routes when it came to higher studies. Not that this ‘norm’ has completely vanished, it still penetrates our society. Having failed twice during the first year of his undergraduate studies, Shashank was upset and demotivated beyond words. Still grateful for his parents and brother’s unwavering support, Shashank tells us how his brother encouraged him to pursue what truly made him happy; And that happened to be art. In a fortunate turn of events, Kanpur University introduced a Bachelor of Fine Arts program the same year Shashank decided to switch his major.
“Sometimes, when a good thing awaits you, there are bound to be difficulties you will face before. It’s upon you to face that with a positive mindset or a negative mindset,” Shashank reflects.

Shashank Shukla: “Everyone draws. As kids, all of us have. The society doesn’t take it seriously.”

Entering the inaugural batch of the Fine Arts program at Kanpur University in 2011, Shashank faced skepticism from a society that often trivializes artistic pursuits. “Everyone draws. As kids, all of us have. The society doesn’t take it seriously. ‘Drawing me kya hoga?’—we leave it because we don’t know how we can take it forward,” Shashank Shukla shares. However, with his family’s support, he navigated the course with determination, even securing a gold medal in his final year. This is the reason why Shashank believes that there should be efforts by private and public institutions to hold seminars on Art and the contemporary integration of this field in so many others fields like social sciences, film and cinema, technology, sciences, etc., so that all aspiring students can know how they can take their skills to the next sphere of life starting their higher studies.

Shashank’s journey was not without its challenges. His first year was a humbling experience, realising he was very much an amateur in drawing and painting, but with his dedicated mindset, Shashank kept on taking the steps of the ladder boldly. He opted for applied arts in his later year, and got training in watercolour painting, sketching, as well as sculpture, along with digital art.

Overcoming Societal Barriers and Personal Growth

The societal disregard for art and the pressure to secure a job weighed heavily on Shashank. The constant glances of his distant relatives would often try to make him question his career choice and the uncertainty of the future. “The society doesn’t support you. ‘Mai kya kar raha hun, yeh log is cheez ko aise kyu dekh rahe?’ I want to change these people—maar na hai toh apne kaam se maaro (respond to everyone who questions you with your work),” he asserts. Over time, as his work gained recognition, even his initially skeptical relatives began to appreciate his talent. This personal validation fueled his resolve to teach his students the value of using art as a medium of expression and change, and as one’s medium of livelihood as well.

This incident also reminds Shashank of how people often ask artists, as friends and relatives, to paint them a portrait or a scenery, free of cost. They see it as a hobby which doesn’t require much skill or efforts. Art, painting, sketching, are all denied of respect and value and that needs to be changed. Artists shouldn’t let their work be devalued or mocked any longer.

The COVID-19 pandemic posed significant challenges, including job loss and financial instability. It was a huge backset for artists who depended upon their physical studios and art exhibitions. Amidst losing his job, (when he almost decided to go back to Kanpur), it also opened new avenues for Shashank. He started teaching students painting through the online mode and has taught over 2,500 students since 2020. This was also when Shashank started posting his work on social media. Today he has more than 80,000 followers admiring his work! Famously regarded as a ‘watercolour artist’, although that is a bit limiting to define this artist from Kanpur! Social media is a game changer for artists who want their art to reach beyond borders.

Final Words of Inspiration and Advice from the Watercolour Artist from Kanpur

For Shashank Shukla, art is not just a profession but a calling. He recommends all aspiring and young artists to go out and connect with nature, and observe their colours. Nature has infinite numbers of contrasts, shades, and hues to offer. As a watercolour artist who specialises in landscape paintings, he shares that regular outdoor and live sketching sessions help one overcome the fear of public scrutiny and brush observational skills.

Shashank’s vision extends beyond personal success. He dreams of creating more opportunities for aspiring artists by establishing art institutes across the nation. He advocates for equal opportunities in art education. Anyone with an interest should have the chance to develop their skills.

For all aspiring artists, Shashank Shukla gives the advice to set a strong intention, commit to your craft with all your heart, and persevere through the challenges. Success will come, whether early or late, but it’s crucial to remember that true achievement isn’t just about personal gain. An artist, Shukla believes, must think beyond themselves—uplifting others is key to progressing in any creative journey. When you work not just for yourself but for the betterment of those around you, that’s when you truly move forward.

From figurative to abstraction, Ram Kumar, a luminary in India’s artistic cosmos, is a beacon of inspiration, revolutionising the canvas with his abstract strokes. Born in 1924, Ram Kumar’s journey from the corridors of academia to the bustling street of Paris and finally to the serene landscapes of Varanasi captures a profound evolution in both his art style and thematic preoccupations.

Ram Kumar was drawn into the art world due to a chance encounter with an exhibition at the Sarada Ukil School of Art while pursuing his Master’s in Economics at St Stephen’s College in 1945. He enrolled in evening classes at the art school under the guidance of artist Sailoz Mookherjea. Kumar started to hone his skills in still-life portrait painting, gradually transitioning to capture the urban decay and human condition of Delhi and Shimla through his paintings. During his formative years, Kumar’s art reflected a vibrant energy, often depicting scenes of everyday life juxtaposed with deeper existential themes. His works, such as “Why Can’t I Sleep” and “Oppression”, reflected the underlying social and political currents shaping post-independence India.

In 1948, Ram Kumar’s artistic journey took a significant turn when he joined a Hindi daily newspaper as a journalist trainee and crossed paths with artist J. Swaminathan. This encounter solidified his commitment to art, and began a lifelong friendship with fellow artists such as S.H Raza, F.N. Souza and K.H.Ara. The year 1949 witnessed Ram Kumar’s first solo exhibition in Shimla, where his paintings caught the eye of Dr Zakir Hussain, the then Vice-Chancellor of Jamia Millia Islamia University. Inspired by the early success, Kumar embarked on a journey of artistic enlightenment to Paris.

With its rich cultural tapestry, Paris was a crucible for Kumar’s artistic evolution. Under the tutelage of renowned artist Andre Lhote, Kumar delved into the work of lines, curves and colours, imbuing his works with a newfound dynamism inspired by the works of radicals like Louis Aragon and Roger Garaudy, as well as encounters with luminaries like Pablo Neruda, Kumar’s art began to reflect a deeper engagement with human emotions and societal realities. The years spent in Paris were transformative for Kumar, artistically and ideologically. His encounters with the works of Courbet, Rouault, Kathe Kollwits and Edward Hopper instilled in him a deep appreciation and sensitivity to the human experience, which would manifest in his later works.

When he returned to India, Kumar was drawn to the ancient city of Varanasi, where he encountered a land brimming with spiritual fervour and existential angst. The stark contrast between the city’s vibrant rituals and its silent decaying structures became a recurring motif in Kumar’s art.

The 1960s marked a watershed moment in Kumar’s artistic career as he transitioned from figurative to abstract expressionism. His “Grey Period” changed from vivid colours to muted tones reflecting the sad realities of human suffering and mortality. His cityscapes of Varanasi, rendered in Cubist aerial views, symbolised the existential angst that permeated his work. Kumar’s later works continued to explore Varanasi’s spiritual and existential dimensions, albeit with a newfound sense of transcendence. His “Benaras Series”, characterised by ethereal blues and a sense of collective spirituality, captured the city’s timeless allure while evoking a deep sense of human emotion and longing.

In retrospect, Ram Kumar’s artistic journey is a testament to the transformative power of exploration and introspection. From his early realist works depicting the bustling streets of Delhi to, his later abstract compositions inspired by the charisma of Varanasi, Kumar’s art transcends boundaries and speaks to the universal human experience.

In a world marked by constant change and upheaval, Ram Kumar’s timeless artworks serve as poignant reminders of the enduring power of art to reflect, provoke and inspire. As we navigate the complexities of modern existence, may we find solace and enlightenment in the enduring legacy of artists like Ram Kumar, whose abstract brushstrokes continue to resonate across time and space.

In the vast landscape of artistic expression, creativity knows no bounds. From photography to the art world, a myriad of voices and visions intertwine to form a rich tapestry of human experience. This article embarks on a journey through the diverse realms of artistic creation through watercolour artists, celebrating the unique talents and perspectives that shape our world.

Dhirendra Mandge : @mandgedhirendra

Dhirendra Mandge has a portfolio featuring around 36 group exhibitions and 5 solo showcases. His artistic endeavours encompass figurative and abstract forms, with a current focus on exploring Indian heritage architecture. Mandge draws inspiration from the majestic historical forts, their unparalleled architectural marvels intriguing him. To him, heritage serves as a bridge linking the past with the present, embodying a timeless connection.

Rashmi Soni: @artist_rashmisoni

Rashmi Soni’s painting exudes the ethereal beauty of simplistic things, capturing moments of serenity and introspection. With delicate brushstrokes, she infuses her work with a beautiful mixture of colours that evoke a sense of wonder and tranquillity. Her eye for detail and mastery of colour invites viewers into a world of quiet contemplation.

Gulshan Achari: @gulshanachari

Gulshan Achari’s bold and dynamic compositions command attention, drawing viewers into a whirlwind of vibrant colours and swirling forms. His paintings pulsate with energy and movement, reflecting his passionate exploration of shape and architecture. Achari’s work challenges traditional notions of art, pushing boundaries and inviting viewers to engage with simplistic beauty.

Dhruba Mazumder : @dhrubafinearts

Dhruba Mazumder’s evocative portraits capture the complexity of human emotion with remarkable sensitivity and depth. Through subtle nuances of expression and meticulous attention to detail, he breathes life into her subjects, inviting viewers to glimpse the inner workings of natural beauty. Mazumder’s paintings resonate with authenticity and vulnerability, powerful reflections of the human experience.

Harshwaradhan Devtale: @harshwardhan_devtale

Harshwaradhan Devtale’s intricate layers of colour and texture create a sense of depth and dimensionality, inviting viewers to explore the interplay between light and shadow. This watercolour artist blurs the line between painting and reality, resulting in works that are extraordinary to witness.

Abhijit Jadhav: @abhijadhav_artist_official

Abhijit Jadhav’s cityscapes evoke a sense of wonder and awe, transporting viewers to otherworldly realms of imagination. Through watercolours he creates cityscapes that have paused their busy day just for him, capturing the moment through his imagination, memory and creativity.

Chetan C Sadashivan: @chetan.c.s

Chetan C Sadashivan, through meticulous attention to detail in his watercolour paintings and a keen understanding of form, captures the beauty and complexity of everyday life. Chetan’s paintings invite the viewers to pause and reflect on the inherent beauty of the world around them, reminding us to enjoy the beauty in simple moments.

Rahul Vishwakarma: @rahulvishwakarma.12

Rahul Viswakarma’s painting is poetic, this watercolour artist paints vivid portraits of emotion and experience, weaving them into tapestries of beauty and longing. His evocative paintings depict visuals of cities that are ethereal and immersive clubbed with his eye for meticulous detail, giving one solace and inspiration.

Conclusion:

One thing is abundantly clear: art knows no boundaries. Across cultures, genres and mediums creators continue to push the boundaries of expression, inspiring and challenging us to see the world in new ways. Let us celebrate the richness of diversity and the transformative power of creativity through these beautiful watercolour paintings.

Art as a creative form is difficult to master. But it’s even more difficult to decipher. Understanding a piece of art can never happen linearly as it is bound to branch out to various interpretations. Though it’s rather tempting to decipher each artist’s work, it’s only right that we give you the choice to go do it yourself at your convenience. Hence, we present to you Instagram portrait artists who are bound to blow you away with their skills. 

Debojyoti Boruah

Breathing life into canvases, Debojyoti’s artworks capture life at its true essence. From the shiny gleam on your cheek to the slight wrinkle that forms around your eyes when you smile, each facial contort is meticulously captured by him. An Instagram portrait artist who believes in bringing realism out with his acrylics, you should check out his page if you are a realistic lover.

Sri Priyatham

Sketches that capture reality with a bit of creative flair, Priyatham’s works are a sight to behold. Each stroke and tension carry with them a lot of thought and emotion. Emphasizing and hiding just the right amount, he is one such Instagram portrait artist whose portraits are bound to make you stop and ponder.

Amit Naik

Balancing reality with an artistic sheen, Amit’s paintings remind you of the beauty in this lost world. From sketching to painting, his page is heaven for anyone looking for the lost sparkle in this world. An Instagram portrait artist specialising in portraits and cityscapes, check out his page to see the world through his gleaming creative lens.

Himani Jhawar Shah

Many consider sketching one of the easiest art forms, but the kind of sketching that looks exactly like a painting in greyscale requires much more effort than an average artist will put in. Adding layers and textures to her artwork, Himani’s sketches will bewitch you for a long time. The definition that each of her sketches holds is a testament to the expertise of this Instagram portrait artist.

Parag Borse

An international award-winning Indian artist, Parag’s works carry a tale within themselves. Playing with different colour palettes it’s the background in each piece that tells more about the portrait than the foreground. An Instagram portrait artist whose works with soft pastels are bound to leave you in awe.

Bansuri Mahendru

Taking the art of creating portraits to another level, Bansuri’s works carry with them a vintage whimsical charm. The soft strokes of her brush and serene background are bound to calm any turbulent mind. Bearing a resemblance to Baroque paintings, this Instagram portrait artist is here to soothe your soul with each brush stroke at a time.

Nilisha

Capturing figures in an overlapping manner, Nilisha’s works carry with them several intertwining tales. Each of these tales reveals different aspects of the painting making one stop and stare for hours trying to figure out the creative marvel they just witnessed. The layering technique used by this Instagram portrait artist is a testament to the artist’s expertise as a storyteller.

Anoop anu

A portrait artist whose pencil captures reality better than a DSLR camera. Anoop’s work is gonna stun you into silence. The way he captures each strand of hair with such precision is a feat that many artists dream of achieving. From pop culture to real life, Anoop tries to capture whatever catches his eye. He is an Instagram portrait artist for those looking for hyperrealistic portraits.

Harsha Kaveripura

Capturing portraits with his flair, Harsha’s works capture a sentiment like no other. From capturing beauty to the harsh reality, this Instagram portrait artist expertly uses art as his medium of expression as he doesn’t shy away from expressing his views through his works. A must-visit page for those looking for beauty with wokeness.

Do check out these Instagram artists!

Art is magic, it is mystic and it is unfathomable. It encompasses a whole wide range of styles, techniques and mediums. Amongst the techniques of painting, one is the palette knife art technique. It employs a palette knife i.e. a blunt tool used for mixing or applying paint with a flexible steel blade. This technique is generally used on canvas and is now being used to create decorative handmade artworks. Here we present five phenomenal artists who are using their palette knives with precision and craftsmanship. 

Ritu Kumar

Ritu Kumar is a modern artist or an abstract artist. Her strokes of colour have carved some of the most spectacular paintings in the art world. Her page is truly a visual pleasure of vibrance and texture. She uses palette knives with such precision that landscapes, abstracts and florals, all come to life. Her works are a pure reflection of precision and spontaneity. Not only palette knife art, Ritu has a niche in resin art as well as gold leaf art. By adding abstraction to ethnic art, she has been pleasing clients all over the world.

Ganesh Panda

Ganesh Panda, a Mumbai-based professional artist bestows the viewers with a joyous carnival of bold brush strokes and zestful compositions. His works majorly consist of sceneries, landscapes, riversides and everything in the world that is enough to narrate stories of humans. Light and shadow – the two aspects and their interplay creating a mesmerising effect form a major theme of his works. Blue, yellow and green along with a myriad of shades of these colours, Ganesh brings stories to life. He chooses diverse subjects and boldly experiments with the palette knife technique. To find out more about him, check out his website. 

Neeraj Shirvaikar

Neeraj Shirvaikar who calls himself Bard of Bombay is a storyteller and miniature maker who blends narratives into the palette knife art world. His human portraits and natural landscapes speak volumes. His strokes tell stories and the vibrance in them carries a sense of movement and emotion. None of his pieces are silent, all of them tell tales; of cities, of people, of skies. The cityscapes tell certain compelling narratives and give the viewers something to explore the depth of imagination.

Salona Singh

Salona Singh is an art professional from the cultural capital of India – Kolkata. His oil paintings are realistic and surreal at the same time. His palette knife art is a combination of grace and intensity.  He uses the palette knife to craft minute details in his works. His pieces are intense and refined with a harmony between bold pigments and delicate shades of vibrant hues. Indeed his artworks showcase his magic; a mastery of the palette knife technique. Know more about him here. 

These artists are exemplifying the versatile and dynamic nature of the poignant palette knife art. The rare art form being one of the most difficult ones is being paid due reverence by the artists. Their choice of styles, subjects, themes, strokes and colours bring forth a mesmerising tapestry of the art form.