introduction
Atul Panase
Atul Panase is a Dubai-based artist, curator, and educator known for his exceptional contributions to the world of watercolor art. He serves as the Brand Ambassador for Daniel Smith Artists' Materials and the UAE Leader for FabrianoInAcquarello, the prestigious international watercolor festival in Italy.
With a career spanning over 25 years in Dubai, he has participated in numerous national and international exhibitions, receiving several awards and accolades, including the prestigious Golden Visa granted by the Dubai Culture and Art Authority. His works, often inspired by nature, Indian heritage, and social themes, have been displayed across the UAE and beyond, including a monumental 40-square-meter installation on Jebel Jais for the Ras Al Khaimah Fine Art Festival. As a curator, he has played a vital role in events such as World Art Dubai (2017 & 2018) and multiple international exhibitions. His initiative #PickAnyPicAndPaint, launched during the COVID-19 pandemic, garnered global participation and media recognition.
Panase’s passion for teaching has led him to mentor over 1,500 students of various nationalities, conducting workshops at institutions like the Dubai International Art Centre, Tashkeel, and the University of Sharjah. His expertise extends to interior design, with projects featured in publications like Khaleej Times. A former cartoonist with award-winning works in Indian publications, he continues to push artistic boundaries through residencies, live demonstrations, and innovative mixed-media techniques. His paintings reside in prestigious collections worldwide, reflecting his unique artistic vision that blends storytelling, spontaneity, and a deep cultural connection.
Artist's Statement
My art is driven by spontaneity, meaningful conversations, and the desire to bring happiness to my audience. Most of my artworks are based on portraits or an illustration with a trendy/contemporary approach of painting while using many mediums; whereas the Watercolor and Pen & Ink remain the leading mediums. I like to use the combination of black and white or monochromatic rendering while showing some colorful parts in some compositions.
I am into teaching, hence I keep trying to come up with a new technique of using a particular medium or working with mix mediums so that I can share a new idea of using different mediums. I also try to give a social message through my installations or paintings.
Who/How: I am inspired by every single thing which may appear even as just an average object or for that matter a very boring or an intense situation can also inspire me to think of turning the whole thing into something creatively interesting and productive.
What: My work is always based on capturing the essence of anything which is available at that very moment.
Regardless of the medium I work with, my creativity is all about a different approach of expressing while coming up with an unique way of experimenting with mixed mediums. When it comes to handling an interior project, I try to combine the most trendy ways of handling different concepts with the help of hand-drawn illustrations or/also a combination of an installation.
Why: As I started my journey of art as a cartoonist, I always try to come-up with some interesting story-telling approach, possibly with a strong social message.
Most of the collection here shows the influence of Indian culture which is known for its colorful festivities, hence you get to see the feel happiness which is being reflected through all my collection. The turban series of paintings are based on the colorful culture of Rajasthan which is one of the most famous tourist destinations in India. This place is known for its colorful traditions, turbans, murals and also the old breathtaking
architectural designs. I like to use the combination of black and white or monochromatic rendering while showing some colorful parts in some compositions. Applying colors with different values and the harmony among the hues creates more interest for the audience.
Background
Atul Panase is a highly skilled and accomplished artist with a strong educational background. He completed his Master of Fine Arts degree in Applied Art with a specialization in Illustration from North Maharashtra University in Jalgaon, India in 2013. This program provided him with the opportunity to refine his artistic skills and develop a unique style of illustration. Prior to this, Atul obtained his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Applied Art from Nagpur University in Nagpur, India in 1993. This foundational education equipped him with the fundamental principles of art and design, which he has carried throughout his career. Atul's educational background has played a significant role in shaping him into the successful and talented artist that he is today.
Creative Process
I love to experiment on mainly three levels : A: Working on concepts. B: Working on thumbnails on the basis of visuals which are either collected or clicked pics by myself. C: The techniques I use/discover or redefine while using a particular medium or the mixed media.
Most popular series of my turban paintings was the result of an accidental outcome of an experiment which was meant to achieve something else. The turban series includes mainly two mediums, watercolor and acrylic colors while starting with creating an accidental patterns on the paper with the help of a roller and the motifs which can be made by paper cutting.
Many of my paintings are the result of blind painting technique which was rediscovered in 2021 and also it helped me to hold many Blind Painting Workshops on the basis of the same.
Yet another favourite way of mine to create the artworks is to use the combination grey tones with colorful rendering.
Recent Art Works
Traditional Dance
Art Type: Acrylics on canvas
Size : 36″ x 24″
Hues of Happiness
Art Type: Mixed Media on Paper
Size : 56 x 76 cm
Ian
Art Type: Watercolor on paper
Size : 33 x 46 cm
Domain Nature Series
Art Type: Acrylics on Canvas
Size : 90 ×120 cm
Colours of pride series
Art Type: Watercolor on paper
Size : 56 x 76 cm
Few Sold Works
Discover the world through original paintings for sale
Bastakiya
Colours of Pride
Red Turban Man
Peace
Sunder Ganesha
Testimonials
Future Goals
Holding Daniel Smith Watercolor workshops while breaking my own barriers and setting up new records in the form of bringing new techniques, working on new concepts, organising larger than life art events and yes, setting up my own studio apart from establishing a fine art college which can serve the society in the most useful ways are my tiny future dreams which apparently will help me to give back to the country I call my adopted motherland to show my gratitude towards the opportunities given to me while living here!
Future Goals
Holding Daniel Smith Watercolor workshops while breaking my own barriers and setting up new records in the form of bringing new techniques, working on new concepts, organising larger than life art events and yes, setting up my own studio apart from establishing a fine art college which can serve the society in the most useful ways are my tiny future dreams which apparently will help me to give back to the country I call my adopted motherland to show my gratitude towards the opportunities given to me while living here!