My Artistic Journey and Creative Philosophy
My art is rooted in the academic rigour of the Sir J.J. School of Art and a commitment to preserving ancestral memory through contemporary forms. This collection offers a glimpse into my studio practice, exhibitions, and the foundational techniques that shape every commission I undertake.
I was deeply honored to have my work recognized at the "Srijan 2024" residential art camp and to meet the Honorable President of India during the exhibition viewing.
A look inside my alma mater, the Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai. The first frame shows me at work in the historic studio space where my technique was honed.
A moment of contemplation in my studio, surrounded by works in various stages of completion. My space is where ideas, memories, and photographs are translated into art.
This video shows some of the sculpture work from the BFA final year exhibition at the Sir J.J. School of Art. My training encompassed a wide range of artistic disciplines beyond painting.
This image compares a photograph of a location at my art school with my landscape spot painting of the same scene. It's an example of my work in landscape painting.
A close-up detail from a large commissioned painting. I believe that capturing the texture of clothing, like the folds of this kurta and the pattern of the scarf, is just as important as the facial expression.
A detail shot from a finished portrait, focusing on the subject's joyful expression. Capturing genuine emotion is the ultimate goal of my work.
About this collection
When I sit in my studio to translate a photograph onto canvas, the process is a dialogue between academic technique and personal memory. You see here how a location, such as the campus of the Sir J.J. School of Art, evolves from a live landscape sketch into a final painting. This same rigorous attention to texture, light, and fabric—whether it is the weave of a shawl or the fold of a dupatta—is the standard I apply to every private commission I take today.
My artistic practice is not just about the final image on the canvas. It is a synthesis of my village roots, where handicraft was a necessity, and the formal training I received in Mumbai. This journey has led me from sculpture and sketching to large-scale contemporary painting, and recently, to the honor of having my work recognized at the Srijan 2024 residential art camp.
The Studio Process
The studio environment is where ideas, photographs, and memories are translated into art. I treat every portrait as a collaboration. I prefer to work using high-quality acrylics on cotton canvas, building the image layer by layer. This allows me to focus on the small details that define a person's character, such as the specific quality of a gaze or the way clothing drapes, which I believe tell as much of the story as a facial expression.
Academic Foundation
My training taught me to look for elements others might miss. Whether I am creating a landscape, a mural, or a realistic portrait, I approach the canvas with an understanding of structure and form gained during my years at Sir J.J. School of Art. I share progress updates during the painting process so my clients can witness the work evolving from a charcoal sketch to a varnished, finished piece. This transparency is crucial, as it ensures the final artwork aligns with the memory the client hopes to preserve.
If you are looking for an artwork that moves beyond a simple likeness to capture the essence of a person or a moment, my studio is equipped to guide that process. We start with your reference photos, discuss the composition, and proceed to create a piece meant to endure.
Pratap Badtya
I am Pratap, and my work is a bridge between the traditional craftsmanship of my village roots and the disciplined training I received at Sir J.J. School of Art. I do not just paint likenesses, as I seek the silent struggles and stories that reside within a person. Whether I am sketching live or working on a long-term commission, my goal is to keep those memories alive on canvas.
Explore my other artistic services
Browse different painting styles and booking options available for your home or event.
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