Live Art Demonstrations and Painting Workshops in Pune
I believe in sharing the knowledge passed down to me. This gallery captures my process during live portrait demonstrations and interactive art workshops across India.
Here I am with my self portrait, created as a live demonstration for Hina Bhatt Art Ventures. It's always a great experience to paint in front of an audience.
A live portrait demonstration at the Kalangan Art Exhibition in Balgandharva, Pune. The model is seated in the background, showing the setup for a live sitting.
The finished watercolour portrait from the Kalangan Art Exhibition. I aim to capture a likeness quickly while maintaining an expressive quality.
A time lapse of the portrait demonstration in Pune. You can see the painting come to life, from the initial washes to the final details.
A watercolour portrait demonstrated at the Pratima Utkat Art Exhibition in Pune. The lighting on the model was fantastic, creating strong highlights and shadows.
The finished portrait next to the model. It's always rewarding to see the two side by side at the end of a session.
The portrait in an early stage, with the basic colours and tones blocked in. This is a crucial step in the watercolour process.
About this collection
When I paint live at exhibitions, I focus on capturing the character rather than just a simple likeness. It is a balancing act of working fast with watercolour, which does not allow for second chances, while explaining my technique to the audience. Whether you want to book a workshop for your college or catch a demonstration, this is how I share the craft.
The art of the live process
There is a raw energy in 'en plein air' painting and live demonstrations that you cannot replicate in a studio. Whether I am at the Balgandharva Kaladalan in Pune or an outdoor festival like Kalakari 4 in Satara, my goal is to show the 'why' behind the brushstroke. I often get asked, 'How did you plan this wash?' or 'Why that specific pigment?' My live sessions are not just performances. They are interactive walkthroughs where I break down my approach to watercolour portraits.
Why I conduct workshops
I learned the basics from my father, and I believe art is a skill to be passed on. I conduct workshops for art students and hobbyists who want to move beyond the basics. We cover everything from mixing the right skin tones to handling the spontaneity of watercolour on 300 GSM paper.
What happens at a session
- Live Portrait Demos: I paint a subject in real-time, explaining my material choices, usually Supervision watercolours on 100% Cotton Rag paper.
- Technique Sessions: For workshops, I help students understand how to control water and pigment to create depth and texture, similar to the techniques I use for my 'Stone Series.'
- Conceptual Guidance: I teach how to observe a subject and find the emotion, whether it is a portrait or a landscape.
If you are interested in hosting a workshop or having me conduct a demonstration at your art event or college, I am happy to discuss the format. Let us create something together.
Amit Dhane
Art has been in my veins since bachpan, thanks to my father who taught me the basics. I do not just paint, I live for the process of bringing a blank canvas to life, whether it is a portrait of a stranger or a deity. My family, including my sons, are woven into everything I create.
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