Shashikant Dhotre is widely regarded as one of India’s leading colour pencil artists. A self-taught practitioner, he works primarily with colour pencils and dry pastels, often on black paper, where his compositions reveal a strong sensitivity to light, texture, and surface. His practice is rooted in close observation, with a meticulous approach that brings a heightened realism to his subjects.
His work spans two distinct yet connected directions. In one, he portrays rural women drawn from memories of his childhood and the landscape of the hinterland where he grew up. These figures, rendered with quiet dignity, capture moments from everyday life through finely observed details—light on skin, delicate strands of hair, and intricate textile patterns. In another body of work, Dhotre turns to carpets as subject, translating their rich textures, folds, and ornamental intricacies into carefully constructed compositions. Across both, his practice remains defined by precision, patience, and an acute sensitivity to material and detail.
