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www.artflute.comDetermined, disciplined and incredibly talented, Dinkar Jadhav is an artist whose life reads like a fairytale. Growing up in a tiny village, he grew up only knowing that his biggest love in life was art. That love, led Dinkar to an art education in Pune through which he supported himself and his siblings. And what followed when his yearning to follow the muse of his own creativity eventually came true is the stuff that dreams are made of!

My Childhood I grew up in a tiny village called Jadhavwadi in Maharashtra. My parents were illiterate and the school I studied in had one classroom where all the kids, whether they were in first grade or second grade studied together. At that time, there was little to no outside influence in the village and for my parents, the world of Jadhavwadi was all that they knew.

Jadhavwadi Village

My Interest in ArtWhether it was playing with and making earthen pots or painting for hours on end, art was what made me happy as a child. It was my art teacher at school who gave me direction and asked me to pursue fine arts after my 10th grade. I first joined the Kala Vishwa Mahavidyalaya at Sangli and once I finished my studies there, moved to Pune to join the Abhinava Kala Vidyalaya. Self Portrait by Dinkar Jadhav

Expanding HorizonsI was the first person in my village at that time to graduate high school. But the road to becoming an artist was going to be long! The library at the art college opened up a new world to me. I poured over the books of J.M.W Turner, the masterful Romanticist landscape painter and drew immense inspiration from his works. Another pivotal point was when I read the biography of Van Gogh. It reaffirmed my decision to pursue art as a career. J.M.W Turner

College & Post-college ResponsibilitiesSince my parents couldnt support my college education, I put myself through college by taking on odd jobs. Studies would end at the college at 2 pm every day and I would then work till late in the evening. I had two younger brothers who were dependent on me to support their education. Dinkar Jadhav in his studio

So right after college, I took on commissioned work and painted murals anything that would help me pay for my brothers education. This was a period of four years where I often wondered how I would ever become an artist if I spent all my time doing commissioned work and didnt have the time to explore my own creativity.Dinkars Victoria Painting won first place in Prafulla Art Foundation West Zone

The First Artwork I SoldI still remember that phase when I was approaching influential individuals hoping they would commission an artwork from me. It was around 15-20 years ago and Pune was a very different place. There was just one five-star hotel and it was called Blue Diamond. Someone suggested I speak to the manager of the hotel who was an art enthusiast...I couldnt have been more excited when he agreed to give me a chance. The first artwork Dinkar sold

I was given a months time to come back with a painting. I anxiously went back with my artwork after thirty days. I knew that if he didnt like it, not just would the painting not be sold but the possibility of creating more art for this man would end right there. But not only did the manager love the painting, he liked it so much that he immediately asked for it to be hung on a wall.Part of the first set of paintings Dinkar sold

The Beginning of My Career As A Free ArtistFour years of working on commissioned works, murals and other work was what it took me before I began exploring my own interpretation of art. My brother had become an engineer and found a job and I now had the freedom to indulge myself. First Solo Show

My Studio RitualsI am very set in my routine. I get to the studio every day by 9-9.30. Then I meditate for a short while and then play my favourite music golden oldies by Kishore Kumar, ghazals or even instrumental music, usually the flute, are my favourites. The music I listen to tends to set the mood of the painting I am working on so it could be a week of Kishore Kumar.

Dinkars Studio Entrance

I work till 6 in the evening and then tidy up the studio, making sure my brushes are clean and everything is in place for the next day. I am very particular about keeping my studio spick and span.

Dinkars Studio

The Inspiration Behind The Series on HorsesI was scheduled to hold a solo exhibition in Jehangir Art Gallery sometime in 2011 and about eight months before the date, I hadnt worked on a single painting. I was sure I wanted to try something new but I wasnt feeling inspired. Reading, going on long walks and listening to music was how I spent my days instead.Race Course

On one of these long walks I headed to the race course near my studio. It became part of my routine to watch the horses and the riders and I marvelled at the incredible power of these animals. Their playfulness, energy and power eventually became my subject. Horse Series

What Comes NextIn Maharashtra the farmers and the bull have a deep relationship. The animal is a hard worker and one day in the year he gets to take a day off. Theres a festival in which the bull is decorated, fed special food and celebrated for its contributions. My next series is called Celebration and its subject is the bull.New Bull Series

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