Featured Artwork and Commissioned Portraits by Sanket
A selection of my favorite work—from large-scale conceptual canvases to intimate, hand-painted portraits. Here is a look at my journey, style, and the pieces that define my current practice.
This is my award-winning 7x5 feet oil painting, "Knitting her thoughts." I wanted to create a dialogue between classical European art and contemporary Indian life, and working on this large canvas was a spontaneous and rewarding process.
An oil on canvas portrait titled "प्रिय वडील" (Beloved Father). For me, a portrait is more than a likeness; it's about capturing the subject's spirit and presence, creating a timeless piece for a family to cherish.
A watercolour painting capturing the serene atmosphere of a temple courtyard in Kochi. I love using watercolours for landscapes to play with light and capture the unique vibe of a place.
This video shows the process of creating a commissioned oil portrait of a couple. I can work from high-quality photographs to create a detailed and personal piece of art that celebrates your relationships.
"Amma," a 60"x48" oil on canvas. This full-figure portrait study, done at the Sir J.J. School of Art, shows my focus on capturing the strength and personality of the model using bold brushwork.
A large acrylic painting recreating Padma Shree Vinayak Karmarkar's sculpture of Aai Bhavani presenting a sword to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. This piece connects my art to our rich Maharashtrian history and heritage.
This acrylic portrait, titled "कोळी," was painted from a live model. It's an example of my bolder, more direct approach, focusing on expression and character through strong colours and brushstrokes.
A short artist talk where I explain the thought process behind my large-scale painting, "Knitting her thoughts." It gives you a glimpse into how I approach my work and my passion for exploring big ideas on canvas.
My award-winning painting, "Contrast of life." This piece received the 'Tilak Vidyapith Award' and explores deeper themes through the juxtaposition of the human form and classical sculpture.
A rapid portrait sketch in acrylics. This shows my spontaneous and intuitive side, where I focus on capturing the essence of a person with quick, confident brushwork.
About Featured
When I work on large-scale canvases, I often skip pre-sketching entirely. Jumping straight onto the canvas allows me to make decisions in the moment and keeps the energy of the painting fresh. If you are considering a commission, whether it is a portrait or a conceptual piece for your home, know that I prefer a process that is organic and intuitive rather than strictly planned.
My approach to art is heavily rooted in my training at the Sir J.J. School of Art, but it evolves with every piece I create. Whether I am capturing the light in a Kochi temple courtyard with watercolors or working on a seven-foot oil painting, my goal remains the same: to create something honest.
How I Approach Commissions
When you commission a piece, you aren't just getting a painting; you are getting a process. For portraits, I focus on accuracy and spirit, usually requiring 14 to 21 days to complete the work and allow for the necessary drying phase before it is ready for you. For larger conceptual works, I document the progress weekly so you are involved in the journey of the piece from start to finish.
Mediums and Techniques
I don't stick to one medium. I use oils for their texture and depth—especially for portraits where I use bold impasto strokes to capture presence. For landscapes and cityscapes, I often turn to acrylics or watercolors, which help me capture the vibe and light of Mumbai or other places I travel. My work is usually delivered unframed, mounted on rigid backing or rolled in PVC tubes for safety, so you have the freedom to choose a frame that fits your space.
Sanket Thorat
Hi, I'm Sanket. My base is the Sir J.J. School of Art, but my real classroom is the world outside—whether that's the streets of Mumbai or the history etched into Hampi's stones. I paint because I have to, and I treat every commission with the same energy I put into my own award-winning pieces.
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