‘Every stroke tells a story’

There are some artists who speak through words, and then there are those who let their brush do all the talking. Raghav Kumar, a B.Tech student at Apeejay Institute of Management & Engineering Technical Campus (AIMETC), Jalandhar, falls in the latter category. His artworks are not just visuals—they’re vibrant whispers of his thoughts, emotions, and inner world. In this delightful conversation, he opens up about his journey with art, the mediums that speak to him, and the dreams he holds close.

Since when did you start drawing?

I’ve been drawing since I was a child—probably from around 2nd standard. What began as simple doodles slowly evolved into something deeper. Over time, it turned into a true passion and a way for me to express myself.

Which art form is your favourite and why?

My favourite art form is oil pastels. I love how much depth and emotion they can convey. It’s a medium that’s both calming and expressive. There’s something magical about watching an idea slowly come to life with just a few strokes, lines, and shades on paper.

How does AIMETC support you as an artist?

Apeejay has been incredibly supportive of my artistic journey. From encouraging us to take part in various art competitions to providing platforms to exhibit our work, the environment here truly nurtures creativity. Both teachers and peers are very appreciative and motivating—that support keeps me going and helps me improve constantly.

What is your definition of art?

To me, art is a way of giving life to my thoughts, imagination, and emotions. Through paper and colours, I can express feelings and ideas that words sometimes cannot capture.

How much time does it take you to complete one artwork? What are the common themes?

It really depends on how complex the piece is. Some artworks take a few hours, while others might take up to three days. I enjoy working on themes like nature, still life, and cultural elements. These subjects allow me to explore detail, emotion, and colour in unique ways.

A new art form you wish to learn?

I’m very interested in learning digital illustration and animation. I’d also love to explore sketching and acrylic painting more deeply. These mediums open up entirely new dimensions of artistic expression.

Other hobbies apart from art?

Besides art, I enjoy reading, craft work, travelling, astronomy and astrophotography, gardening, and photography. I feel all of these connect to creativity in some way—they inspire and recharge me. In fact, many of my hobbies often become the source of ideas for my artworks.