Symbolic Animal Portraits and Conceptual Oil Paintings
For me, animals are never just subjects. I paint them as reflections of our instincts, emotions, and connection to the natural world.
This painting explores the gentle and intimate connection between humans and nature, represented by the woman and the large green parrot. It is a surrealist piece meant to evoke a sense of quiet communication.
A work-in-progress video of a large oil painting featuring a woman and a horse. The flowing hair and the body of the horse merge to symbolize a shared spirit of freedom and power.
A close-up detail of "Fucchu's comeback." This conceptual dog portrait is an oil painting that deals with themes of loss, love, and the enduring spirit of a beloved companion.
The expressive face of the dog in my painting "Fucchu's comeback." Capturing the soul of an animal in a portrait is a challenge I deeply enjoy.
Another detail from "Fucchu's comeback," showing the abstract elements that surround the realistic portrait. These splashes and forms represent memory and spiritual energy.
A visitor at the Visual Arts Gallery contemplating my painting of a woman and a white horse. This piece explores themes of passion, freedom, and the wild spirit within.
About Symbolic Animal Portraits
When I work on an animal portrait, it starts with a conversation about what you want the animal to represent in your life. Whether it is a tribute to a pet like Fucchu or a symbolic representation of freedom like a horse, we spend time defining the emotional core of the painting before I put a brush to canvas.
My approach to these portraits is less about simple observation and more about capturing the soul. Whether it is the quiet communication between a person and a parrot or the raw energy of a galloping horse, I use surrealist and realistic techniques to bring out the 'Fundamental Instincts' that we all share with the natural world.
The Commission Process
Every piece is a back-and-forth collaboration. If you have a specific space in your Delhi NCR home or office that needs a focal point, we first discuss the scale and the narrative. I work on everything from mid-size square compositions to large, 48x72 inch statement pieces. For canvas works, I use heavy-duty, triple-primed cotton or linen with artist-grade oil paints to ensure longevity.
Material and Technique
For my oil-on-canvas pieces, I often use a moderate impasto technique to highlight textures, such as the depth in an animal's eyes or the movement in their fur. If you prefer something modern, I also experiment with oil on rose gold metal sheets. This material acts as a mirror, integrating your own reflection into the art and making you a literal part of the portrait.
Practical Timeline
Art needs time to breathe and cure. My commission process typically involves:
- Design: 2-3 digital mockups to align on the narrative.
- Execution: 3 to 4 weeks for the actual painting.
- Drying: A strict 2-week period where the oils set to ensure the surface is archival and durable.
Every commission is signed, dated, and includes a certificate of authenticity. We will also discuss framing, from clean L-shaped floating frames for a modern look to antique gold profiles for something more traditional.
Ankur Rana
I am Ankur. I live in Delhi, paint from the heart, and find inspiration in everything from the ghats of Pushkar to the moods of my own dog, Fucchu. My art is how I figure myself out, and I hope it helps you do the same.
Looking for a different style?
Explore other themes and commission styles I handle for homes and offices.
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