Ruhaan Dang lives for art. He is a bright student who diligently balances art and academics and has smartly chosen a career which is not only professionally rewarding but will also utilise his artistic skills to the hilt.
Selected as this week’s Aspiring Artist, the young Apeejay School, Model Town student speaks about his love for colours, canvas paintings and animation cartoon designs. Read edited excerpts:
Ruhaan, since when have you been drawing and painting?
Art has always been my strongest pursuit. I have loved to draw since an early age. My grandmother always told me that whenever we cousins would come together in childhood, I was the only one who would sit alone and scribble in my art file and not do any mischief. So, one can understand that art has always been a big part of my life. However, I started art seriously in class 5. I began with canvas paintings back then and now I also do animations.
How does your school encourage you in art?
If there is any art competition, my teachers always motivate me to sign up for the same. This also applies for the school art exhibitions. Every teacher in the school is aware of my passion for art and they support me in that.
So, what’s your favourite art form?
I love to make paintings rich in colour. My latest Madhubani style Ganesh painting is an example of the same.
Any YouTube channel on art that you follow?
I follow many artists but love Scott Christian Sava, a watercolor artist. The way he uses water colours is so unique and innovative.
Please tell us briefly what art means to you?
Art allows me to express what I am capable of, to show my talent to the world.
Excellent! And how much time does it take you to make a painting?
On an average it takes me 2-3 days But canvas paintings may take a week or more at times.
Can you do rapid art?
Yes, with cartoon character designs I can. I love to sketch anime characters and draw magical fairy tale creatures. I have a separate sketchbook for character design for the times when I feel exhausted from paintings.
Interesting, so what makes anime such a hit amongst young artists?
Firstly, it is a unique art style and secondly the storylines are great.
Your next artworks are on?
I am making a canvas painting of Vishnu Ji. And I am also working on a Janmashtami themed painting.
So is it art as a profession in the future?
I want to join a profession where my art skills are complimented alongside. So, I believe I will be able to achieve the perfect balance in architecture.