Historical and Cultural Portrait Commissions
Authentic portraits and biographical paintings dedicated to Indian historical icons and culture, rendered with precision and respect.
A video showing the creation of my oil painting of Krantijyoti Savitrimai Phule, the first female teacher of India. The video concludes with the unveiling of the painting at the Mantralay in Mumbai, a great honour for me.
A tribute to Krantijyoti Savitribai Phule on her commemoration day. This video features my oil portrait of her, which is now permanently displayed in the Mantralay, and moments from the official felicitation ceremony.
Another video tribute to Savitribai Phule, showing the process of painting her portrait and its place of honour in the state ministry. My work aims to keep the memory of such great social reformers alive.
This video is a tribute to my respected guru, Shri Vasudevji Kamath, on his receiving the prestigious Padma Shri award. It shows me creating his portrait live, a humble offering from a student to his teacher.
This video showcases my acrylic painting of Prabhu Ram, created during a national art camp in Ayodhya. The artwork depicts the serene idol of Ram Lalla at the newly consecrated temple.
A short, dynamic video of my chalk art creation of Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, perfect for sharing on social media. It captures the energy and patriotism associated with Shiv Jayanti.
A closer look at the details in the Shivaji Maharaj chalk portrait. This video highlights the textures and expressions captured using only chalk, demonstrating the versatility of the medium.
This video shows the process of creating the background and initial layers for the large-scale chalk art of Shivaji Maharaj, setting the stage for the final portrait.
A close-up of the pastel portrait of my guru, Shri Vasudevji Kamath. You can see the fine details in the eyes and the texture of the beard, achieved through careful layering of colours.
A moment captured during the live portrait demonstration of Shri Vasudevji Kamath. He is seated for the portrait while I work on the initial sketch on the easel.
About Historical & Cultural Tributes
Every portrait is a study of character, whether I am using heavy-body acrylics or oils on professional gallery-wrap canvas. My goal is to ensure the final artwork captures the dignity and specific details of the subjects, providing you with a high-quality, long-lasting tribute that reflects our shared history.
My work is rooted in 'vinamra chitra abhivadan'—a humble artistic tribute to our 'bharatiya aitihasik sanskriti' (Indian historical culture). When you commission a painting, you are not just getting a portrait; you are receiving a piece that has been crafted with the same attention to detail that I apply to my public installations in the Mantralay or my award-winning works.
My Artistic Process
Whether we are working on a portrait of a historical figure like Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj or a personal commissioned piece, I prioritize realism and emotional depth. I work primarily with high-pigment heavy-body acrylics, which provide both durability and vibrancy, or traditional oils depending on your preference for texture and finish.
For commissions, I generally follow a collaborative process:
- Subject Study: We discuss the historical or personal significance of the subject to ensure the expression and posture align with your vision.
- Material Selection: I use professional-grade canvas and pigments that are designed to last for generations.
- Technique: I apply traditional layering techniques, ensuring that skin tones, clothing, and background elements are rendered with accuracy.
Why Commission Your Art Here
Based in Nashik, I travel across India for projects that require on-site presence, but I also accept commissions remotely. My work has been recognised by the state government and features in high-profile locations. If you are looking for an artist who understands the weight of our cultural history and can translate that into a visual medium, I am here to help. I am comfortable working with diverse themes, from spiritual figures to individual portraits, ensuring every brushstroke honours the subject.
Rajesh Sawant
Namaste, I am Rajesh Sawant. My art is a humble tribute to our history, and I find true joy in bringing icons of our culture to life on canvas. Whether through live demonstrations or dedicated portrait sessions, I am here to create art that carries deep meaning for you and your family.
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