Like in most of the metropolis, where we wake up, go to work, sleep, that’s all; there are some extraordinary living beings who breathes art 24/7 and Dinkar Jadhav is one of them. Been Painting since he was in Junior KG, he never looked for rewards and just kept doing what he loved and even today all he does is inhale oxygen, exhale Co2 and create stories on the canvases. This Canvas Maestro has held 8 Solo Shows, more than 100 International shows, Charity Events and also participated in various National/International Art Camps. Residing in the ‘Oxford of the East’, just hand him a paint brush and he can even color up the dark! You must know how he made it by being the pioneer of professional Canvas Painting scene in India.

We are keen to know; how did your journey begin?

I remember back in my village when I was in first standard, we had to study using a slate and a chalk. I used to write down the homework in half of the slate and on the other half, I used to draw random sketches of some inspiring people such as Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj. I loved drawing since then and I consider this as a God’s gift which turned out to be a passion in future. I used to study less and draw more. In 8th standard, my art finally got recognition from my arts teacher and he insisted me to choose this craft as a career. He told me that if I’m so much passionate towards drawing then I should go for it, and therefore after completing the 10th standard, I moved to Pune for graduation. During the 2nd year, I made 500 water colored landscapes which was never done by anyone in my college.

What’s your success mantra?

Do what you love by not paying attention to the rewards which you will get later. If it is not pressurizing you and making you happy at the same time, then you should keep doing it. For me, success is all about happiness and big houses, cars, etc. doesn’t matter much. My day starts and ends with painting which I love the most, whatever you love you do it and that’s how you will be successful.

Beyond Painting

What were the hardships / hurdles your encountered and the way you overcame in your journey?

It’s a very long story but in short I would say that you meet a lot of people who are kind and act as a helping hand, like someone insisted me to meet a hotel’s manager in Pune and show him my paintings as he could help me out, he saw them as there used to be many paintings of some big notable artists in his hotel and it was the first time when my painting got sold and that too for a huge sum of Rs5000, with that I paid my college fees and looked after my family. After pursuing Diploma, I did not apply for any job as I never wanted myself working under someone. So, I decided to continue as an artist in Pune and professional painting was not in much hype back in those days, hence I had to struggle a lot to earn a living along with brushing the paints day and night on canvases. Soon I started getting some small-scale tasks related to painting such as brushing the walls of Mandirs which got me earning an enough sum to meet my basic needs.

Success is incomplete without its share of failures. How should one overcome them to move on?

We don’t count success in terms of mathematics. It’s an endless approach just like money and fame, and we shouldn’t look towards success in that way. If you like painting then that doesn’t mean you will end up with nothing, you will surely reach to newer destinations by experimenting in your craft. You can see my artworks in my website, I have uploaded lots of artworks and every year my style and pattern keep evolving. 

Do you think Painting and its learning’s can be helpful in life even if one does not want to consider it as a career goal?

You might be working Monday-Saturdays in an office, but you still have a life beyond that right? You must get indulged in something where you can express yourself freely, you need art in your life not to understand but to relate internally and feel good for a moment. 

Which was “that” moment when you considered yourself as “I Am The 1”?

I used to forward lots of paintings for competitions and they were being rejected, but in 2009 I received 3-4 awards recognized nationally, one them is from the Bombay Arts Society which is recognized since British India, I received a call from them that I’ve received an award and I was overwhelmed. Another moment is when I imitated an artwork of Turner (Joseph Mallord William Turner) and it took me a month to complete it and I just made it in a similar way which satisfied me eventually. These are the moments when I felt myself as ‘I Am The 1’. 

Did you get any formal training and how was that journey?

Yes, I’ve a Degree of Government Diploma in Drawing & Painting from Abhinav Kala Mahavidyalaya, Pune.

Could you reflect on the importance of systematic training in Painting?

Training in any craft gives a technical knowledge, everyone needs a time span to understand the art and gain its technical knowledge. On the other hand, passion cannot be studied nor be injected upon others, passion must be kept alive till the end.

What are the pre-coaching essentials e.g. Right age, mindset or any other?

It’s all about the potential, hunger and intention to learn the art.

Technology and scientific training have been changing the way people get trained in Painting. What’s your take? 

Our whole life is comprised by art and as time changes, technologies changes and as an artist your views must change to move on with the upgrading digital media. One must accept the changes and advances to cater the new generations and serve them the art they see in their perspective.

How can one select an ideal ‘Guru’ for getting formal training for Painting? 

The one who could relate and understand your craft is the Guru you need.

What according to you, can be a scope for improvement in training for Painting in India?

The issue is with the schools where many neglects this subject not knowing that art is more essential. Everything is art in our surroundings, from designing the architecture of our homes by an interior designer to designing our clothes by a fashion designer. It is a genuine part of our life and it should be a major subject in the curriculum. 

In your opinion, what are the basic key traits apart from formal training that make “imd1”?

Passion is primary, then talent should move in a right path with correct knowledge and this will surely give out great output in one’s expertise.

One thing which you feel you want to change from the past while you walk down memory lane…

I don’t wish to change anything as such because those are my memories.

Your piece of advice to parents and new generation especially when some people are skeptical about career in extra curriculum.

It is not necessary that if I became a painter then my children should also become one. Everyone has different taste in art and parents should admit and accept what their children lack and encourage them in whatever craft they excel in. Art cannot be forced upon anyone, let children find their creativity and I’m sure once they find out their interest, they will achieve great success.

How can one identify & encourage talent in the family?

It is difficult to put in words, but I would say that parents come to know about the interest of their children. By not pressurizing them, let them explore.

Any other thoughts you want to share?

As an artist I would say if you can draw a single line then even you know the art, most of the people spend their whole time working and not doing any creative task, but creativity is something which should be practiced daily. That’s all I could say.