Hand-Painted Indian Portraits: Expressive Faces by Debolina
I capture the soul of India through my brush. From the weathered grace of a Rajasthani elder to the vibrant colors of a Kathakali dancer, these portraits are stories told in watercolor.
A watercolor portrait of a Rajasthani woman, part of my series on Indian beauty. I used a dark background to emphasize the rich colors of her attire and her thoughtful expression.
The Rajasthani portrait displayed on my easel. The play of light and shadow on her face and the texture of her clothing were a wonderful challenge to capture in watercolor.
A quick watercolor sketch of a man in a vibrant orange turban. Capturing the essence of a person's character with just a few brushstrokes is a practice I truly enjoy.
An acrylic on canvas portrait of a Rajasthani man with a colorful turban. The black background makes the colors of the turban and the details of his face stand out dramatically.
A candid shot of me working on a watercolor portrait. My weekend afternoons are my sacred time to paint my heart out and create pieces like this one.
A watercolor portrait of a sadhu, done as a practice work. Even on basic paper, the goal is to capture a sense of self-realization and inner peace.
Titled "In Leisure," this watercolor painting depicts two men resting. I often paint people in moments of peace and relaxation, perhaps as a contrast to my own busy life.
My painting "In Leisure" framed and displayed in a cozy corner of my home. The warm fairy lights add to the serene mood of the artwork.
A process video showing the detailed brushwork required to paint a Kathakali dancer. This award-winning piece was selected for the IWS-India Olympiart exhibition.
The final framed painting of the Kathakali dancer. It was an incredible honor for this piece to be selected for the world's biggest watercolor festival in Delhi.
About Portraits of India: Faces & Figures
I believe every face tells a story, whether it is the weathered grace of a Rajasthani elder or the vibrant, dramatic makeup of a traditional dancer. I paint these on archival-quality Arches 300GSM paper using professional Mijello Mission pigments, ensuring your portrait stays vibrant for years. If you want to turn a special memory or a loved one into a piece of art, send me a photo—let us talk about how to capture that specific emotion.
My 'Portraits of India' series is my way of celebrating the diverse culture I see around me. It is not just about getting the features right; it is about catching that fleeting moment of peace, intensity, or joy. Whether I am doing a quick sketch while my son naps or working on a detailed studio piece, I pour my heart into every layer.
How I work
We start with a digital consultation to discuss the mood and composition. I love painting people in their most authentic state—the 'In Leisure' series is a perfect example of this, capturing two men just resting. Once we finalise the reference, I begin the sketching process. You receive a professional watercolour painting that feels personal and alive.
Why watercolor for portraits?
Watercolor has a beautiful, unpredictable flow that mirrors the human spirit. It is transparent and incredibly expressive for capturing textures—be it the fabric of a saree or the intricate patterns on a performer's face.
- Customization: Want a portrait of a loved one, a grandparent, or a friend? I take commissions for couples, families, and solo portraits.
- Heritage Focus: If you love the traditional side of India, I specialize in subjects that carry a bit of nostalgia—think old-world charm, traditional dancers, or local festival scenes.
- Process: I use professional materials exclusively so your art won't fade. Everything is flat-packed between rigid boards so it reaches you safely.
Art is personal. It is about creating a connection between the subject and your home. If you have an idea in mind, let us chat and bring it to life on canvas.
Debolina Majumdar Yadav
I am Debolina, and my studio is a messy but happy corner in Bangalore where code meets crayons. Whether I am painting a Rajasthani elder or a dancer in full regalia, I just want to bring the soul of the subject onto the paper. It is my way of keeping stories alive, one brushstroke at a time.
Looking for something specific?
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