PROLOGUE:

ART has 2 main forms:

1. VISUAL ART (“Dhrasyakala”) and
2. PERFORMING ART (“Shrayakala”)

Painting / Drawing and Sculpture are the types of VISUAL ARTS

and Music and Dance are the types of Performing Arts.

“Kalanam Pravaram Chitram” – Painting is the foremost of all

Art forms.
CHAPTER – 1 THEORY

The art of Drawing and Painting consists of various elements

like LINES, SHAPES, COLORS , SPACE, TEXTURE, MASS and
PAINTS, etc. for drawing a picture, the artist uses LINES
SHAPES and COLORS to express various emotions.

1.1 LINE:
The line occupies an unique importance in the process of
creating a picture. Drawing of lines is an important means of an
artist’s expression.
A line is created by joining points which are apart.

The various shapes born out of human emotions are created

through the medium of lines. The shapes or figures which are
created by lines tell us about the area, depth and density of an
object. The various types of lines suggest differet emotions.

1.1.1 Vertical Line:

It suggests firmness, stability, inertia, immobility.
e.g. tall minarets (towers), soldier at attention, a tall tree
(palm), high-rise muti-storeyed building, telephone pole, etc.
it suggests a feeling of calmness.

1.1.2 Horizontal Line:

A horizontal line suggests rest, passivity, inactivity, dullness.
e.g. sleeping person / animal, a tree fallen on the ground,
horizon, etc.

1.1.3 Slanting or Oblique Line:

A Slanting / Oblique line suggests movement or motion. It is
used to show humans or animals in motion. It indicates
movement.

1.1.4 Broken or Dotted Line:

A broken line suggests speed or motion, vibration, shivering,
trembling, fear, insecurity, frustration, confusion, uncertainity.
e.g. aeroplane flying in the sky, rain, water in a cup, trembling
man, movement of inanimate (non-living) objects, etc.
1.1.5 Criss-Cross Line or Cross Multiple Line:
this line suggests disorder, confusion, irregularity, mis-
management, accident, storm and calamity.
e.g. scene of an earthquake or an accident, debris of building,
etc.

1.1.6 Zig-Zag Line or Curved Line or Wavy Line:

this line shows motion, rhythm and rhyme. It also shows
beauty, Taal , lay, softness.
e.g. running snake, sea waves, melodious sketches, etc.

1.1.7 Thick and Thin Lines:

Thick lines suggest obesity, laziness, a border or a power,
strength.
Thin lines suggest limitations and mechanical order.

1.2 COLOR

Color is an important and integral part of a work of Art. The

Color brings out a unique expression of an artist.

From a scientific view, white light is made of 7 colors :

VIBGYOR (Violet, Indigo, Blue, Green, Yellow, Orange and
Red).
Color has an extra-ordinary power of pleasing a human mind.
Whether the object is living or non-living, a person weak or
strong, young or old – all of these and much more can be made
known through the use of COLOR.

1.2.1 PRIMARY COLORS:

In the color wheel, the innermost circle shows the three
PRIMARY Colors : RED, YELLOW and BLUE.
Primary Colors are not made by mixing any other colors.
Primary Colors are pure and bright. Each of these colors has its
own idendity / lustre.

1.2.2 SECONDARY COLORS:

In the color wheel, the second circle is known as the

SECONDARY Colors. The Secondary circle of colors viz.
ORANGE, GREEN and VIOLET / PURPLE are SECONDARY
Colors. They are made by MIXING the PRIMARY Colors as
below:

RED + YELLOW = ORANGE

YELLOW + BLUE = GREEN
BLUE + RED = VIOLET / PURPLE

1.2.3 TERTIARY COLORS:

In the Color wheel, the Colors belonging to the third or outer-

most circle are known as TERTIARY Colors. They are made by
MIXING SECONDARY Colors as below:

ORANGE + GREEN = “CHUTNEY” / “CHILLI” GREEN

GREEN + VIOLET = SLATE
VIOLET + ORANGE = BROWN

The TERTIARY Colors are very dull. They don’t have brightness,
purity and lustre.

1.3 INDICATION OF COLORS:

1.3.1 RED:
The Color RED indicates violence, fear, love, danger, anger.
warning, hatred.
It is a symbol of love.
It is useful on auspicious occasions.
It is a favourite color of women and children.
1.3.2 YELLOW:
It is the symbol of SUN.
The Color YELLOW indicates light, brightness, sanctity, purity,
spirituality, religiousness, weakness and disease, glory, wealth,
fame, brilliance.

1.3.3 GREEN:

The Color GREEN is symbol of NATURE.

It is seen as the last stripe of our National Flag.
It indicates prosperity, fertility, freshness, happiness, nature,
greenery, faith, delight, welcome, freedom, peace , meditation.

1.3.4 ORANGE:
The Color ORANGE is the symbol of KNOWLEDGE and
SCIENCE.
It symbolize fire and flame.
It indicates sacrifice and devotion, courage, bravery,
martyrdom.

1.3.5 VIOLET:
The Color VIOLET indicates luxury, quality, manliness, liberty,
adventure, grandeur, pride, valour, generosity.

1.3.6 BLACK:
The Color BLACK signifies darkness.
It indicates sorrow, death, fear, grief, opposition, depth,
cruelty, unholy.

1.3.7 WHITE:
The Color WHITE indicates simplicity, non-violence, old-age,
surrender, honesty, truth, pity, purity, morality, religious peace,
sanctity, calm, holiness.

1.3.8 BLUE:
The Color BLUE signifies endlessness, eternity, gravity,
largeness and vastness.
CHAPTER – 2 Sculpture of Gujarat

2.1 SUN TEMPLE, MODHERA

Situated 90 km North of Ahmedabad in Mehsana District near

Modhera village.
Built during the 11th centure AD by King Bhimdev of the Solanki
Era.
Rectangle shaped huge Suryakund. It also consist of Assembly
Hall (Sabha mandap). On one rock there is sculpture of 7
horses. On the walls there is sculpture of the Sun god and
Indra. When the first rays of the sun fall on the gem of the un
God’s crown, the whole temple lightens up.
It also consists of Darpan Kanya, PagmathiKanta Kadhti Stri,
Zanzar Peherti Nartaki.

2.2 RANI SIPRI MOSQUE

This mosque is one of the best examples of Muslim architecture

in India.
It was built in 1454 AD by Mohammad Bagda in memory of his
wife Rani Sipri.
It is known as Masjid-e-nagina because of its very beautiful
delicate carving.
It is the best example of mixture of Hindu and Muslim
architecture.
It is known as Ahmedabad’s Jewel or Gem.

2.3 Swinging Towers (Julta Minaras)

Towers or minarets are very important element in Muslim

architecture.
Monument of Muslim architecture.
This minarets are seen in Sidi Bashir’s mosque in Sarangpur
and Bibiji’s mosque in Gomtipur.
These minarets are an unsolved puzzle in architecture.
Best example of Sultanate Era art / architecture.
2.4 Kankaria Lake

This lake which is in Ahmedabad was built in 1451 A.D. by

Kutubuddin Aibak. It was known as Hoje-e-Kutub at that time.
There are 34 similar angles or sides in this lake.
“Baug-e-Nagina” is an attraction of Kankaria.
This lake is similar to Sahastrling Lake in Patan.

2.5 Roja at Sarkhej

Biggest Roja or Holy place in Gujarat.

Muslim Sufi saint Ahmed Khattu Gunjbaksh was Ahmed Shah’s
teacher. Mohammad Begda started construction of this Roja in
his memory which was completed by Kutubuddin in 1451 A.D.
It is famous for the beautiful net (jail) carving.

2.6 Sidi Saiyad’s Jali

Sidi sayed Jali is situated near Lal Darwaja, Ahmedabad.

It is famous for its beautiful, delicate and artistic carved jail.
Ahmed Shah Badshah’s slave built this jail.
Trees, creepers are beautifully carved in ths jail.
This jail is in circular shape.
Sidi Saiyad built it in 1572 A.D.

2.7 Rudra Mahalaya of Siddhpur

Rudra mahalaya is situatd in Siddhpur near Saraswati river and

now lies in ruins.
It is the best beautiful example of Architecture of Chalukya era.
It was built by Raja Mulraj Solanki of Solanki dynasty.
The top of Shivalaya is 150 feet tall. Golden kalash is situated
on the top of the dome.
1700 flags fly from the top of the pinnacle.
Scenes from Ramayana and Mahabharata are curved on the
SabhaMandap dome.

2.8 Kirti toran (festoon)

During the Solanki era, built by Siddhraj Jaysinh.
Vadnagar, Kapadvanj, Shamraji, Valam, Piludara and in old
Deesa – Siddhambika mataji’s temple entrance is Kirti Toran.

Grand and most beautiful is the Kirti toran of Vadnagar of

Mehsana district. It includes beautiful human sculpture and
flower and creeper sculpture. Also includes elephants, Ganesha
and Lords and Lordess sculpture.
It is 4o feet in height.

2.9 Huttheesinh Jain Temple

Huttheesinh Jain temples – situated in Ahmedabad - are similar

to the temples of Delvara.
It was constructed in 1848 AD by Harkunvar Shethani.
Huttheesinh Jain temple werer built by Premchand Salat.
Dharmnath Temple with 52 Jinalaya are situated in Huttheesinh
Jain temple.
The idols of beautiful ladies with musical instrumenst are an
attraction of Huttheesinh Jain temple.
Huttheesinh Jain temple are the finest specimen of 19th century
Gujarat art.

2.a Ranki Vav

Many step-wells (“vav”) were built during the period of Solanki

dynasty.

Ranki vav – situated in Patan - is the best specimen of the

step-well of Gujarat.
Ranki vav is the most ancient specimen of step-well of Gujarat
having been built in the 11th century AD by Udaymati, wife of
Solanki King Bhimdev I.
Ranki vav is a treaure of finest architecture and sculpture.
Here, one can find the finest sculpture of Sheshayi Vishnu
(Sleeping Vishnu) and Patralekhni (Woman).
Shilpasundari and Mahisasura Mandini are famous idols of ranki
vav.
CHAPTER -3 Famous Cave Temples

3.1 Ajanta Caves

The Gupta Era is considered as the Golden Age of Indian Art &
culture. The most important or representative example of
which is the Ajanta Cave paintings based on Buddhism.
Ajanta Caves are situated in the state of maharashtra,
about 6 kms from Fardapur and 57 kms from Aurangabad near
the river Waghora at a height of 90 mts. The 29 caves are
situated near the village of Ajanta. Hence called the Ajanta
Caves. There are two types of caves at Ajanta: (a) Chaitya
Caves & (b) Vihar Caves. Chaitya Caves mean the Prayer and
Meditation room of Buddhist monks. Vihar Caves mean the
Resting room of Buddhist monks. These are quite huge in size.
Discoverd by Chennai (Madras) based English Officer James
Ferguson in 1810. Paintings
depict the life of Buddha and Jatak Kathas of Buddhism. Caves
lie in a smi-circular
mountain range. elephants, swans, trees, birds, creepers are
depicted on the pillars and
the oofs of the caves. - Fresco style of painting. - 1500-2000
yars old - -------------- Cave
# 1 ---
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-------------Mar
Aakraman --- 3.5 ft (H) * 2.5 ft (W) Mar equals Kama Deva ;
Buddha sits calm, quiet and
dignified amidst the kaminis surounding him; the quiet and still
Buddha is poignantly
depicted in this painting ;
from 2nd century to 7th century
Flying Gandharva - Gandharvas (dev) are seen freely seen
playing the flute, manjiras and
dancing in the painting;
Dev Dnav, Eunuchs (kinnar), scantily clad apsaras (menekas)
are seen in the paintings.
the job of the gandharvas is to play music in the indra sabha.
Champeya Jatak - depicts the meeting of Nagaraj
(Boddhisatva) and Kasiraj (king) ------
-Cave # 17 - Apsara - apsaras seen flying on cloudy sky -
heathly loving eyes, bejewelled
crown on head, and necklaces seen - manjiras held in hand
---------------------------------
cave # 1 & 2 - Bhat paintings - animals, birds, creepers, trees
elephants, swan, lotus , lotus
petals are depicted ; nature - red, yellow, white, brown, blue
and green limited colors ----
Ellora Caves ------------Buddhism (12), Hinduism(17) &,
Jainism (5) - total of 34 caves;
Buddhism in South, Hinduism (middle) and jainism (North) ;
situated in the state of
maharashtra , 17 ms from aurangabad and 96 kms from Ajanta
Caves; first the buddhism
caves then hinduism and then jainism ; Buddhism -
vishwakarma`s Hut (zupdi) famous
Chaity mandir (temple) also there; Hinduism caves are very
huge; Ravanni khai and
dashavtar are famous; jainism - Tirthanka parshvanath -
carved elephants ; 6th century to
9th century AD ; -1. Budhhas Renunciation of throne - Prince
Siddharta (gautama
buddha) leaves behind son rahul and wife Yashodhara ; -2.
Dashavtar in cave # 15 is 2-
storeyed - based on Gods Shiva and Vishnu 10 avtars seen
Shiva going for Tadkavar vadh,
Narsinh and Hiranyakashyap fight, Bhayanak (raudra) rasha
depicted which shows fire ; 3.
Ravanni khai - cave # 14 Shiva playing Chaupat, Parvati-Shiva
dance, Ratnasur vadha, ; on
the North , Vishnu in Varaha avtar balancing the wold by his
denture, Chaturbhuja Vishnu
sitting in vaikuntha, Mahisasur mardi sculpture; 4. Dumarlen
cave (# 20) - centre of the
cave marriage of Shiv Parvati, also other Shiva scultures; 5.
Indrasabha caves (# 32)
jainism - best from sculpture point of view - Bhagwan mahavir
Swami, Parshvanath,
Gomateshwar bahubali, Yaksh-yakshini, ; also devis, ganesha -
Nagadhiraj most important
----------------------------------------------------------------------
-----------------3.
Elephanta caves - 8 ms off the coast of Mumbai in Maharashtra
on Dharapuri Island; also
known as Dharapuri Caves; In front of the caves a ull Elephant
sculpture - which got
broken down and now lies in Mumbais Victoria gardens
(ranibaug) ; depicts Shaiva
religion- 11 caves - but only 1 cave there are sculptures -
Trimurti i.e. 3 faced god - three
faces of Shiva (Satyam,Shiam,Sundaram) - 22 ft in (H) 22 ft
high Doorkeepers
(dwarparo) sculptures ;
--------------------------------------------------------4. Badh
caves
- near gwalior in madhya Pradesh - in the Vindhyachal
mountains near badh river - 9 caves
- dance and dandiya ras paintings- 6 hathi circus - Two Women
, RangMahel very long
painting,
;---------------------------------------------------------------------
------------------
-4. STYLES OF PAINTINGS 4.1 PAL style : durinf he reign of
Pala Kings (dynasty) 10th-
13th century A.D. in Bengal Bihar and also spread to nepal and
tibet; hence also called
Eastern Style ; mostly small paintings done on Tadpatris (palm
leaves) - depicts the
episodes of Boddhisatva, Pragnaparmeeta, and jataka tales -
salient features: still, calm
faced, pointed nose, half-closed eyes, - red, blue and mud-
yellow colours; - main concern
of beautification (sushobhan) -4.2 JAIN style - largely in
Gujarat, rajasthan and marwar
regions - 12th century to 16th AD - miniatures (laghuchitra)
based on kalpasutra,
kalkacharya katha, neminath caharitra, barsak sutra - special
features: pointed long
nose, prominent big, long eyes, broad puffed-up chest, slim
waist, and pointed fingers -
squatting erect on ashana ; red, blue green and blue colurs -
also known as Gujarat style ;
4.3 gandhar style : Kandhar (now in Afghanistan) greeks
settled in gandhar - Kanishka
(greek king) adopted Buddhism - gandhara style - a mix of
Indian and Greek art forms
;centres: gandhar, bamiyan, Hadda , jalalabad, begram ;
clothes in Buddhist sculpture are
transparent; famous: head of buddha with hair and moustache,
bamiyan buddha; 4.4/5
Rajput style : also known as rajasthani style; 10-14 century AD
- portraits of Rajput kings
by traditional artists/painters; flowing chaniya and transparent
odhnis mark the distinctive
features of this style ; also radhakrishna . rashleela,
Krishnabhakti on walls (frescos) -
based on various raagas hence Raagmala paintings also famous
and distinctive feature 4.6
mughal style (1600-1700 AD) - developed under the patronage
of muhal kings - in 1526
AD babbar established the Mughl Sultannate in India - Mughal
style started during the
reign of Emperor Akbara - mixture of Iranian and indian school
of art ; while rajput style
was Folk (lokkala) Art, whereas mughal art was royal or Court
art 9darbari kala) ; Akbar
loved paintings - many miniatures ; jehangir s rule golden
period of mughal art - portraits,
birds-animal paintings- Artist mansoor was a master of
paintings of birds and animals -
Shah jahan was more interested in buildings - during his reign
the taj mahal was created ;
later duing Aurangzebs reign saw the decline of Mughal art;
golden border around painings
and transparent colours wer the distincive feature of mughal
art; famous bok of mughal
Art - shahnama, babarnama ; during period of shahjahan>
portrait artist bishnchand;
famou iranian painters Abdul sahmed, mir saiyyad ali;
caligraphy was a highly developed
mughal art; 4.7 Kangra Art or pahadi (mountain) art : after the
demise of mughal art uring
and after the reign of Aurangzeb, this mixture of Mughal and
rajput art developed in the
foothills and valleys of himalayas; natural mountaineous
subjects, fogs etc. soft lines, eye
catchingccolors, characters beautiful and fair - resemble Ajanta
art subjects; Molaram -
best painter of this style; also haridas and nayansukh; ram and
women depicted have
delicate body, pointed straight nose, round face, sloping fore-
head, ; subjects main
subject: krishnaBhakti ; 3.2 Ellora Caves

3.3 Elephanta Caves

3.4 Badh Caves

CHAPTER -4 Schools / Styles of paintings

4.1 Pal style

4.2 Jain style

4.3 Gandhar style

4.4 Rajput style

4.5 Rajasthani style

4.6 Moghul style

4.7 Kangda style

CHAPTER -5 FAMOUS PAINTERS / ARTISTS

In spite of many adversities (hardships) in life, the painters /

artists have kept the art of painting alive.

A painting is a source of joy for both the creator (artist) and

the beholder / seer / observer.

5.1 RAJA RAVI VERMA ( 1848 – 1906 )

Raja Ravi Verma (RR) was born in the year 1848 in the village
of Kullimanoor in the state of Kerala, South India. He was the
scion of a royal family and hence is well-known as “Raja” Ravi
Verma.
During his time, Western Art was prevalent and it was also
taught in Government Art Schools. As such, his paintings were
influenced by the Western School / Tradition of Art.
Initially, RR learnt painting from Shri Rama Swami Naidu and
then from the English painter Theodor Jenson.

His western style and Indian subjects showed mutual relation

in his creative paintings. He was the first to use oil paints in
India. He used the Western techniques to piaint his pictures,
Most of his paintings were based on the episodes from Indian
epics like Mahabharata, Ramayana and Shakuntalam and
Raghuvansh. His paintings – Bharatmata, Saraswatidevi and
Laksmiji have found a place in hearts and home of both rich
and poor alike. He achieved great success in his portrait works.
European painters were influenced by the realistic form of his
human figures. He made paintings for the Maharaja of
(Baroda)Vadodra.
Famous Paintings:
Portrait of a Lady, Saraswati devi, Virat Darbar, Beggars,
Gangavatran, Rama breaking the bow, Shakuntala’s birth,
Pururva and Urvashi, Jatayuvadh, etc. are some of his famous
paintings.

Awards:
In 1880, he won the “Gayakund Chandra” award and in 1883
the Silver Medal at the Madras KalaPradashan (Exhibition). His
painting at the Vienna Exhibition won him a prize and fame.

Collection of Paintings:
His paintings can be seen at the vadodra Art Museum,
Trivandrum Art Museum and Mysore and Chennai Art Museums.

5.2 Ravindranath Tagore ( 1871 – 1951)

Nobel Laureate Rabindranath Tagore was born in Bengal. He

received the Nobel prize in Literature in 1923 for his epic poem
Gitanjali. This famous poet was also a great painter.
ShantiNiketan established by Rabindrath tagore in Kolkatta is
the cutural centre for literature, music, dance and art. In 1928
at the advanced age of 67 years he took up painting and set up
the Modern indian art form free from the influences of the
traditional Indian and Western art forms. During the 12 year
period between 1928 and 1940 he produced about 2000
paintings. He wrote my Lifes morning began with music Let
my Lifes Night end with Colurs. Exhibition of his paintings in
1930 in Paris, france.
Famous Paintings:
Lady with Flower, Mothers love (matruprem).
Collections:
His paintings are found in the private and public museums of
India and abroad, “Shantiniketan”, Kolkatta and
“RabindraKalaBhavan”, Kolkatta and National Gallery of Modern
Art, New Delhi.
5.3 Avnindranathnath Tagore ( 1871 – 1951)

Avanindranath Tagore, born in Bengal in 1871 A.D. – is called

the Father of the Modern Indian Art of Painting. He was a
relative of Ravindranath Tagore. He was tutored in Painting by
the European artist Gil Hardy, Palmon and many indian artists.
Famous artist Gajendranath was his elder brother. He is
honoured a the founder of the “Bengal School of Art”.

Style:
He deepy studied Ajanta Art, Tanjore Art, Rajasthani Art.
Moghul Art, Japanese, Chinese and European Art and created a
new style of art by combining the various art forms.
He adopted the Japanese wash-method in his water-color
paintings. He produced the depth of atmosphere and
expression in his paintings. His student Shri Nandlal Bose
converted “Shantiniketan” into the main centre of Indian
Modern Art.

Famous Paintings:
Forest Queen (vanni rani), Abhisarika, Queen of Jungle, Ganesh
Janani, Uma Kacch Devyani, Alamgir, The last Days of Shah
Jehan, A droplet (tear) on Lotus Leaf.
Collections:
His paintings are found in the private and public museums of
India and abroad, “Shantiniketan”, Kolkatta and
“RabindraKalaBhavan”, Kolkatta and National Gallery of Modern
Art, New Delhi.

5.4 Deviprasadray Choudhury ( 1899 – 1975 )

Deviprasadray Choudhury was born in Tajhar village of Rangpur

District in Bengal (present Bangladesh).

Having lost his mother early into his childhood, the

responsibility of raising him fell on his father who wanted to
make him a honest and fearless human being . He was of a
strong mind and body but delicate heart. H was in love with
painting right from his childhood. He took up a job as a bill-
board painter in a Theater in Kolkatta and later as a Art teacher
in a school. He learned art/painting from Avnindranath tagore
where he learnt life painting and Sculpture. He was a great
sculptor, unusual painter, good hunter, able trick cyclist
wrestler, flutist and a successful story-writer.
A deep knowledge and understanding of art is seen in his
paintings of human anatomy, women’s delicacy
, wrestler, flutist and successful story teller. His paintings are
seen in both oil-paints and water-colors.
Later he joined Chennai (madras) Art school as its Principal.
Famous paintings:
Behind the Stone Walls, Abhisarika,The Victory of Labour, The
Road Makers, After the bath, Welcome of Rains, When it is
Winter, The Wet Crow, Two Birds, Heart-broken, Lepcha Girls.
Famous Sculptures: the Victory of Labour, Martyrs Memorial
Awards:
In 1953 he became the member of the Bharatiya Lalit Kala,
He was conferred the title of Padma Vinhusan by the GOI.
He served as the Principal of the Madras School of Art for many
years.

5.5 N S Bendre ( 1910 - 1992 )

Narayan Shridhar Bendre born in Indore, was interested in Art

from his early childhood.

Education:
He studied Art at the School of Indore under Shri Dev Lalikar.
He got a Diploma in Art from J J School of Art, Mumbai in 1933.
He spent three years in Kashmir and being influenced by the
natural beauty he painted 3000 pictures.
Later, he joined Shantiniketan, Kolkatta in 1946 for higher
education in Art under Nandlal Bose.

Style:
In India Bendre was known as an experimental and progressive
artist.
His main subject is Nature.
He achieved great success in fresco tempera and inching.
Later he served at MS University Vadodara as Professor from
1956-1959 and then as Principal till 1966.

Famous paintings:
Panghat, Sunflower, Dry Leaves, Apple in Forest.
Awards:
In 1941, he won the Silver Medal at the Bombay Art Society.
In 1943, he won the Silver Medal of the Art Society of India.
M.P. Art Exhibition awarded him a purse of Rs. 1 lakh as prize
money.

5.6 M F Hussain ( 1916 )

Maqbool Fida Hussain was born at Solapur in 1916 A.D.

He is a leading artist who made Indian Modern Art famous in
the world.
He has the real mood and character of an artist.

Education:
He studied Art at the School of Indore.
After that he went to Mumbai and started painting bill-boards
for the movies.
He studied anatomy.
He joined Sir J J School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai as a
Faculty member.

Style:
He has created paintings in water-colors, oil-paints and Black
Ink.
He makes his works prominent through thik black lines and
brings out brilliance of the mosaic. He is an expert in modern
art.
He has used traditional colors, lines in modern art.
Social life and culture are reflected in his paintings. Very thick
black lines, exciting colors and arrangement of forms are a
speciality of his paintings.

Famous paintings:
Running Horses, Man and Horse, Bath, Woman at Work, moon,
Musician, etc.

Awards:
He was awarded the Padma Sri by the GOI.
5.7 Piraji Sagra ( 1931 )

He was born in Ahmedabad. His primary and Secondary

education was done in Ahmedabad.
He studied at the C N College of Fine Arts and then at the Sir J
J School of Art and Architecture, Mumbai.

Style:
He joined New Education High School as a Drawing teacher.
Later, he joined CEPT in Ahmedabad as a Art teacher. There he
gave a new force to his art. Here he established himself as a
renowned painter.
He created his paintings on canvas with use of wood, plywood,
nails, copper foils, etc.
Sometimes he used “kacchi torans” , “chakla on wood”.
He worked on sculpture also.

Famous paintings:
Hatt, Mt. Abu, Rest, Night at Kashmir, Metal Cottage are his
famous paintings.
Mund Samuha and A Woman with Bird are some of his famous
sculptures.

Awards:
Gold Medal at Lalit Kala Academy, Kolkatta – 1951.
National Award from Lalit Kala Academy, New Delhi – 1963.
Award worth Rs. 1 Lakh from Lalit Kala Academy, Gujarat –
1994.

Collections:
His paintings and murals are exhibited in Tagore Hall,
Ahmedabad and in many museums in India and abroad.

5.8 Hakubhai Shah ( 1934 )

He was born in the Tribal area of Valod in Surat District.

Tribal social life and culture became the subject of his art.
After his education in Vedchi he went to Vadodra from where
he Post Graduated in Fine Arts from M S University, Vadodra.

He worked on collage, paintings and sculptures. He was an

expert in the Adivasi Folk Art as well Modern Art.
He contributed by encouraging tribal art and culture and social
growh in India and abroad.
He worked on clay, Plaster of Paris (PoP) and cement concrete
also.

Style:
Simplicity creates beauty in his paintings. He believes that
tradition gives inspiration. He has created paintings on Sufi
Music and spiritual knowledge.

Famous paintings:
Moon, Noor, Gandhika, From my Eyes, Shepherd, Gandhi.
Music, Woman’s Strength, Mangal Venu, etc.

Awards:
Nehru Fellowship award – 1971.
Padmasri Award , GOI – 1984.
Gujarat Lalit Kala Academy Award – 1998.

5.9 Vriundavan Solanki ( 1942 )

He was born in Junagadh. He is one of the leading artists of

Gujarat.
He became famous for his Black & White paintings.

Education:
His teacher Mr. Pawar inspired him to take Art and kalaguru
Ravishankar inspired him to go to Mumbai and join Sir J J
School of Art and Architecture.
But, he came back to Gujarat as he was not comfortable in
Mumbai and joined instead M S University of Fine Arts, Vadodra
where he was tutored by Bendre and K G Subhramanyam. He
got degrees in Painting and Graphics.
He joined NID, Ahmedabad and currently works in Ahmedabad.
Style:
There are human beings without faces in his paintings. He has
vastly worked in Black & White colors. He created his own style
using Black Ink and Pen.

Famous paintings:
Patiwala on the Move, Mother and Child, Fisherman, My Land,
My People, Faceless Face, Villagers of Saurashtra, Mumbai
Municipal Corporation, etc.

Collection:
His paintings are exhibited in Museums in India and abroad.