Portraits of Legends by Abhishek Deheriya
Capture the intensity of icons like Guru Dutt or Satyajit Ray. I create heavy-texture portraits that aren't just images, but long-term art investments for your home.
A portrait of Al Pacino, titled 'Plato’s Discourse'. I used acrylic on a 5x4 feet canvas, focusing on a monochromatic palette with gold leaf accents to capture his contemplative intensity. This is a great example of a statement piece for a study or office.
This is a monochromatic interpretation of Marilyn Monroe, using a palette knife to build texture and emotion. The shades of grey and black with hints of gold give it a classic, timeless feel, different from my more colorful versions.
A tribute to the master filmmaker, Satyajit Ray. This 3x4 feet acrylic on canvas was created using my custom-designed palette knives to achieve this distinct 'abstructure' style. It’s a piece for the true cinephile.
My homage to the brilliant artist Amrita Sher-Gil. Her expressive eyes and powerful presence were a challenge I enjoyed capturing with thick acrylic paint and a textured finish.
This portrait of Guru Dutt is available for purchase. It's an acrylic on canvas where I've used a muted, earthy palette to evoke a sense of classic nostalgia, perfect for lovers of vintage Bollywood.
A close-up detail of the 'Plato's Discourse' portrait. You can see the layers of paint and the subtle interplay of light and shadow that gives the piece its depth.
The Satyajit Ray portrait, hung and ready for display. This shows how the artwork commands attention on a simple wall, becoming an instant conversation starter.
About this collection
When I paint these portraits, I don't just copy a photograph. I use palette knives I have designed myself to create 'abstructures'—a mix of abstract movement and recognizable features. This adds a rugged, tactile depth that you can actually feel on the canvas, ensuring that the piece shifts and changes depending on how the light hits your wall.
Creating a portrait of an icon is about capturing their intensity, not just their likeness. Whether it is the soulful gaze of Guru Dutt or the contemplative silence of a jazz legend, the goal is to make the subject feel present in your room.
The Abstructure Technique
I developed my own palette knives to move away from smooth, photographic realism. This method, which I call 'abstructure', allows me to build layers of heavy body acrylics. By the time I am done, the canvas has a physical, rugged quality. It is not just ink on paper; it is paint that stands off the surface. You can see the shadow play change throughout the day as the sun moves across your living room or study.
Why Invest in Original Portraits?
If you are buying art, you should look at it as a long-term asset. My portraits are done on museum-grade cotton canvas or Italian linen with UV-protective varnish, meaning they are built to last over 50 years. I provide a Certificate of Authenticity with every piece because this is meant to be a permanent fixture in your home.
A Personal Process
No middlemen. You talk to me directly. We look at your space—the wall color, the lighting, the mood—and decide on the palette. Most of these commissions happen over 3 to 4 weeks. I send weekly video updates so you see the layers forming. By the time it arrives, you know exactly what is hanging on your wall.
Verde Canvas
I’m Abhishek. I run Verde Canvas here in Bangalore with Nimisha, and this is where I paint. If you want a portrait that actually carries some weight—both in texture and soul—let's talk.
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