Qureysh Basrai is an artist based out of Pune, who has won awards in several national and international art competitions. His story is an inspiration for those who may have given up on their creative inclinations and are looking to rekindle their passion.
Qureysh Basrai's artistic journey started early. He loved to draw as a child, and at just 14, he showcased his talent at Mumbai's Taj Art Gallery. Years later, after venturing into business with PRISM, an interior design firm, the Covid-19 pandemic struck, which led to Qureysh reigniting his neglected passion.
"In 2020, amid the pandemic lull, I entered an international online art competition. It marked my return to art after 30 years, and surprisingly, my painting of a horse secured the top spot among participants from 10 countries. This victory fuelled my determination to pursue art professionally," recalls Qureysh.
Balancing his rekindled passion with professional commitments, Qureysh devoted five to six hours each day. With time, he reconnected with his artistic style and participated in several art gallery shows. Till date, he has won 17 awards in online competitions.
"The most rewarding aspect of being an artist is when your artwork resonates with people. Selling artwork during an exhibition is gratifying and opens doors to memorable interactions," he said.
Qureysh integrates his love for nature into much of his art. His seascapes, trees, and landscapes, featured in publications like the AFG coffee table book and the Google Art Book, reflect his talent for realism and his innate connection with nature. But his first love will always be horses. The intricate detail in his depiction of horses' eyes showcases the depth of his artistic expression.
"Horses have always captivated me with their nobility, power, and majesty. They energise my artistic spirit, and I aim to convey that energy through my paintings," he shares.
Using oil as his preferred medium, he prepares his canvas with a roll, stretching it on two sticks. He often begins sketching with charcoal pencils, building a seven-layer process for depth and dimension. His attention to detail is evident in every stroke, and each painting takes about a week to complete. He refrains from using varnish, allowing the raw essence of his art to speak for itself.
He first developed his skills under the guidance of Mrs. Rouse, his art teacher, and even achieved recognition in the Elementary Drawing Exam with a Distinction Award. These exams are held nationally; successful candidates qualify for higher education in commercial or applied art, fine art, textiles, interior design, fashion design, and architecture. They are mandatory for admission to government art colleges. It became an early success that paved the way for his artistic growth much later in life.
For Qureysh, the three-decade hiatus has given way to a period of self-discovery and artistic revival.
Today, Qureysh has won 11 national and international awards for his work. His journey, which started at eight by making greeting cards at home with his mother, has come full circle.
