An accomplished painter, Vilas began his artistic journey at Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai, where he specialized in representational art. He later pursued a Master of Fine Arts in America, focusing on abstract art. Throughout his career, Vilas has drawn inspiration from various historical figures and philosophies, and has achieved notable success, including teaching live portrait painting to former U.S. President George W. Bush.

Vilas Tonape is a painter whose journey began in humble circumstances in Mumbai. Born to a mother from Maharashtra and a father from Karnataka, he grew up in a chawl in a lower-middle-class neighborhood where twenty families shared just two toilets.

Vilas shares that his father moved to Mumbai in 1955 without even a train ticket and faced many hardships, including sleeping on footpaths which Vilas says is the story of many Indians.

His father, a tailor by profession, had a profound love for movies, which significantly influenced his career path. His father's passion for cinema was so intense that he would sometimes pick Vilas and his sister early from school under the guise of an emergency, just to catch a movie. This routine instilled a deep love for cinema in Vilas, particularly for the hand-painted movie posters that adorned theater entrances.

He often arrived at cinemas early, spending his time admiring these posters. This fascination was further cemented when, at the age of 11 or 12, he watched a black-and-white movie featuring an actor painting a portrait of the heroine. This scene left a lasting impression on young Vilas and inspired him to pursue painting. He would even choose to sit on the upper deck of buses to get a closer view of the hand-painted posters around the city.

As his interest in art grew, his focus on academics waned. By the time he reached the 7th grade, he had won a gold medal in an All India Child Art Competition, solidifying his decision to pursue a career in art. He believes that three key factors are essential when choosing a career: natural inclination, personal desire, and family support. He was fortunate to have all three, which guided him to choose art as his profession.

Painter Vilas says that he was the first in his family to attend college. His parents, despite not having formal education themselves, were supportive and sensible. After completing his 10th-grade board exams in 1986, he attended the prestigious Sir J.J. School of Art in Mumbai which was recommended by his teacher due to its excellent reputation. This marked the beginning of his formal journey into the world of art.

Thus, he completed his Bachelor of Fine Arts (BFA) in Mumbai, focusing on Representational Art, and later pursued a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) in America, where he delved into non-representational art.

Specializing in both representational and non-representational (abstract) art, Vilas explains the distinction through an analogy: representational art is like a song with lyrics, conveying a clear message or theme, while abstract art is akin to a musical tune without words, open to interpretation.

Vilas Tonape shares that he draws inspiration from various sources and individuals. He believes that being inspired by multiple role models and philosophies makes one a research scholar rather than a mere imitator. Among his influences are his teachers from J.J. School of Art, particularly three who left a significant impact on him. He also draws inspiration from historical figures like Pablo Picasso and Kandinsky.

Vilas notes that Kandinsky's abstract art was inspired by Indian Tantric art, countering the misconception that abstract art is purely Western. He also finds inspiration in the philosophies of J. Krishnamurti and U.G. Krishnamurti, as well as Mahatma Gandhi.

In America, his mentors included professors Ron Watson, whom he affectionately calls his "American Guru," and Professor Jim. Vilas also admires Swami Vivekananda's way of choosing teachers which was to interview the teacher who was supposed to teach him. These diverse influences have shaped his personality and artistic philosophy.

Vilas says that he is also motivated by quotes such as Gandhi's "Be the change you want to see in the world" and J. Krishnamurti's insight that art is not just about creating but also about observing. He holds a deep appreciation for India's rich cultural heritage and the patience ingrained in its people, likening it to a farmer’s patient waiting for his crops to grow.

When asked about his achievements, Vilas recounts how former U.S. President George W. Bush, after retiring, sought to learn live portrait painting and was referred to Vilas. Teaching an American President was a humbling and gratifying experience for Vilas.

For students aspiring to build a career in art, Vilas emphasizes the importance of proper education and dedication. He advises against relying solely on online resources like YouTube, advocating instead for structured education and a deep commitment to the art. He humorously shares an anecdote where some students, eagerly wanting to know his recommendation for a brand of brushes, got their pens and paper ready to note it down, only for him to reveal that the brand is "riyaaz," meaning practice.

In conclusion, he stresses the necessity of staying connected to the roots of the art through daily practice and formal education. Understanding the core essence of art is crucial for becoming a great artist. His journey from a Mumbai chawl to teaching a U.S. President exemplifies the power of perseverance, dedication, and a deep-rooted passion for art.