Nakshatra Sharma, a passionate Fine Arts student at Amity University, Lucknow, has created over 200 portraits during the pandemic. He emphasizes the importance of hard work, precision, and patience in the art field, inspired by his family and teachers. Nakshatra believes that regular practice and creativity are vital for success in the competitive world of art.

Nakshatra Sharma is pursuing a Bachelor of Fine Arts at Amity University, Lucknow. He has nurtured a passion for painting since childhood. His artistic journey began with encouragement from family and friends, who recognised his talent and motivated him to follow his dreams. The support he received led him to explore and develop his art skills, laying a strong foundation for his career in fine arts.

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Nakshatra took advantage of the time to deepen his craft, focusing specifically on creating portraits. He recalls how this period was pivotal in his growth as an artist, allowing him to experiment and improve. To date, he has completed more than 200 portraits, each one a testament to his dedication and love for art. His accomplishments highlight the perseverance and practice that go into mastering the intricacies of portrait painting.

Nakshatra recalls that the idea of turning his passion into a career solidified when one of his tuition students' parents mentioned the potential of pursuing art as a profession. This realization fuelled his interest and commitment, motivating him to attend workshops and seek mentorship from his professors at Amity University. These experiences enriched his skill set and broadened his understanding of art as a professional path.

Patience, he notes, is a crucial quality for any artist. Portraits often require 10 to 15 days to complete, as capturing intricate details demands time and focus. Rushing can compromise the final result, so maintaining concentration and dedication throughout the process is essential.

Nakshatra believes that what makes a piece of art unique is the story or message behind it. He draws inspiration from renowned artists like Leonardo da Vinci, noting that the power of a great painting lies in its ability to communicate an idea or evoke emotion. The goal is for viewers to connect with the work and understand the message it conveys.

Sharma feels fortunate to have the continuous support of his family and peers, who have encouraged him to pursue what he truly enjoys. He reflects that the field of art demands a high level of hard work and precision, as a single painting must be analyzed from multiple angles to capture the best perspective.

Mastery in this area requires refined pencil skills and deliberate brush strokes since the margin for error is extremely slim. Unlike other art forms where mistakes can be corrected, portrait artists rarely use erasers, so each stroke must be intentional.

To succeed in this field, Nakshatra believes in constant practice. He often revisits the fundamentals, like line work, to introspect and refine his technique. He advises aspiring artists to develop a strong vision, as the ability to imagine and conceptualize an artwork is crucial. Nakshatra points out that while art culture is gradually gaining recognition in India, it is still undervalued compared to other countries where art is more widespread.

Sharma highlights how being an artist, especially during the pandemic, was intensified by increased competition as more people pursued their passions. This surge brought added pressure, making focus and commitment essential. Nakshatra emphasizes that one should never draw without a clear vision in mind; imagination and creativity are key components that set an artist apart.

His primary role model is his paternal grandfather, who was known for his meticulous approach to art. Nakshatra also credits his mother as a source of inspiration, acknowledging her unwavering support. His friends and guidance from his university instructors have also played an essential role in shaping his journey, helping him reach new heights in his art career.

For aspiring artists, Nakshatra advises first establishing a name in the market. Recognition comes slowly, and the early years require considerable effort, often without immediate financial return. Art supplies can be costly, with professional pencils and canvases ranging from thousands to tens of thousands of rupees. Nakshatra began his journey using affordable materials, gradually upgrading as he advanced in his career.

He stresses the importance of promoting one’s work digitally—through social media platforms like Instagram and Facebook—to reach a wider audience and build a reputation. Search Engine Optimization (SEO) can also help artists make their pages more discoverable and align their offerings with market demands.

Nakshatra explains that in the art field, career options are diverse. One can become an art teacher, a design artist, or pursue business-oriented paths like interior decoration. The key is developing a distinctive style that captivates buyers, whether for homes or professional spaces. Employment opportunities also exist in teaching art at private institutions or colleges, and exhibiting art in galleries can provide both income and exposure.

Nakshatra advises young artists to commit to the process, even if sales are slow initially. He believes that it takes about three to four years of dedicated work to gain momentum and achieve a stable position in the art market. Above all, he emphasizes learning from every experience, improving, and staying resilient.