Artist Chitra Vaidya

Chitra Vaidya

Artist and Art Teacher

An avid painter, Chitra Vaidya (born : 1965) likes to explore themes and subjects in a special way so as to bring to life the essence and ethos of her subjects, which have been very diverse as can be seen from her portfolio. Chitra completed her graduate and postgraduate studies from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai and has eleven solo and fifteen group exhibitions at leading galleries to her credit. The range of themes in her exhibitions reflect her active mind and keen spirit of exploration. It is her conviction that the realm of painting should go beyond creating a visual document and should in fact reflect the character of the subject.


It is this belief and approach to painting that makes Chitra stand out. She has been a popular art teacher as she enjoys working with children and kindling the creative instincts in them. She has been conducting art workshops for all age groups and has done live painting demonstrations at several educational institutions.

Wakankar family

Hailing from the illustrious Wakankar family, Chitra aims to carry forward the rich legacy of her grandfathers, one of whom (Padma Shri Dr. Vishnu S. Wakankar) is best known for his widely acclaimed work relating to discovery and research on cave art at Bhimbetka; whereas the other one (Lipikar Shri. L. S. Wakankar) was known for his pioneering work in Calligraphy.

Education :

  • 1985 : G. D. Art (Govt. Diploma in Art) from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai
  • 1986 : B. F. A. (Bachelor's degree in Fine Art) from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai
  • 1986 : Diploma in Art Education from Sir J. J. School of Art, Mumbai
  • 1991 : M. A. (Fine Arts) SNDT University, Mumbai

Solo Art Exhibitions :

  • 2018 : IndusInd Bank, Juhu, Mumbai
  • 2018 : IndusInd Bank, Bandra, Mumbai
  • 2018 : IndusInd Bank, Prabhadevi, Mumbai
  • 2017 : IndusInd Bank, Pedder Road, Mumbai
  • 2017 : Indiaart Gallery, Pune
  • 2016, 2012, 2006 : Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
  • 2015, 2009, 2004 : Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai
  • 2015 : Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery, Pune
  • 2013 : Invited for a solo show for Citi Wealth, Pune
  • 2008 : Hotel Kohinoor Continental, Mumbai
  • 2004 : Showcase Art Gallery, Mumbai
  • 2004 : Wakankar Shodh Sansthan, Ujjain
  • 2003 : Hotel J W Marriot, Mumbai
  • 2001 : Kalamandir, Prabodhankar Thackeray Complex, Mumbai
  • 2000 : Sathe Kaladalan, Kalyan

Participation in Group Art Exhibitions :

  • 2015 : "Colours of Life", art exhibition and sale in aid of cancer patients
  • 2014 : "Art Fusion Show 2014" at Hall of Progress, Nehru Centre, Mumbai
  • 2014 : "Celebrating Womanhood" which featured 24 women artists from India
  • 2014 : "Soul Sante", a spiritual expression which featured 13 artists
  • 2011 : My Spirituality by Chitraspandan at Kalabhavan, Thane
  • 2010 : Dhara Monsoon Show by Chitraspandan at Kalabhavan, Thane
  • 2009 : Indiaart Gallery, Pune
  • 2005, 2006, 2008, 2009 : Chatak Monsoon Show, Nehru Centre, Mumbai
  • 2002, 2004, 2006 : Indian Oil Art Exhibition, Mumbai
  • 2003 : State Art Exhibition at Nehru Centre, Mumbai
  • 2000, 2002, 2003, 2004 : Art Society of India - Annual Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai

Art Workshops, Demonstrations, and Projects :

  • 2017, 2018, 2019 : several workshops for Khula Aasmaan, a platform for creative expression for children and young adults
  • 2016 : Mood Indigo Festival, IIT, Mumbai
  • 2016 : Watercolor painting workshop at Indiaart Gallery, Pune
  • 2016 : Speaker at Education Boutique - Career and Admission Fair by Education Times, Times of India, Mumbai
  • 2016 : Art Walk 360 - a public art project by Arcil to paint the long wall at Tulsi Pipe Road, Mumbai
  • 2016 : Live painting demo at the wedding, Turf Club, Mumbai
  • 2015 : Part of organising team for Khula Aasmaan, a platform for creative expression for children & young students
  • 2014 : Children's Art exhibition at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai organised by Indiaart.com
  • 2014 : Organised an Art Workshop at Vile Parle for Children
  • 2013 : Outdoor Sketching and Painting Workshop at Borivali National Park, Mumbai February
  • 2012 : Organised an Outdoor session with students appearing for Intermediate Grade Examination
  • 2012 : Painting demonstration at Empress Garden, Pune, organised by Art India Foundation
  • 2011 : Watercolour painting at Madhavrao Bhagwat High School, Mumbai organised by Art India Foundation
  • 2011 : Watercolour painting workshop for hobby artists (1 day) at Lonavala
  • 2011 : Art workshop during Diwali for school children (4 days) at Parle Tilak Vidyalaya, Vile Parle, Mumbai
  • 2011 : Watercolour painting on the occasion of late Shri M. K. Kelkar’s death anniversary at Dadar, Mumbai
  • 2011 : Watercolour painting at Jnana Prabodhini Prashala, Pune, organised by Art India Foundation
  • 2009 : Teacher training program for art teachers at Shri N. D. Bhuta High School, Andheri, Mumbai

Awards :

  • 2002 : "The best painting in the Exhibition by a Lady Artist" - Art Society of India
  • 2000 : "Outstanding Realistic Landscape" - Art Society of India
Projects and Commissions :
  • Was commissioned to create paintings for INS Kolkata, the largest warship of Indian Navy
  • Was commissioned to create paintings for a reputed chain of retreats in Himachal Pradesh
  • Was commissioned to create several paintings by corporate clients and hospitals for putting up in their premises as well as for gifting purpose
Teaching Experience :

Full time Art Teacher from 1987 to 1993 at reputed schools in Mumbai including Parle Tilak Vidyalay, Mary Immaculate Girls High School, Saifi High School. From 1995 onwards, she has been teaching drawing and painting to students appearing for Elementary and Intermediate level grade examination, college students as well as hobby artists.

Professional Development :

Practised watercolour painting for 10 years (1998 - 2008) under the guidance of late Shri. M. K. Kelkar who was a student of the well known master late Shri. S. L. Haldankar.

Jury at :
  • 2016 : Inter IIT painting and sketching competition, Mood Indigo, IIT, Mumbai
  • 2016 : Kshitij Festival - Mithibai College, Mumbai
  • 2016 : Umang Fest, NM College, Mumbai
  • 2015, 2016 : Malhar Festival of St. Xaviers College, Mumbai
  • 2015 : Khula Aasmaaan, contest for children organised by Indiaart.com
  • 2014 : Art Contest for Children organised by Ministry of Power, Govt of India
  • 2014 : State Level painting Competition on 'Energy Conservation' for school children
  • 2014 : 'Earth Day Painting Competition', Bombay Natural History Society (BNHS), Mumbai
  • 2012 : 'Blow Fest' Inter college Festival, National College. Mumbai
Articles :

Contributed articles on Art for the monthly magazine for children "Chhatra Prabodhan" published by Jnana Prabodhini, Pune

Travels :

Travelled in India and Europe for visiting museums, galleries and for sketching and painting

See blog post related to Chitra Vaidya :
See videos by Chitra Vaidya :
  • Painting demonstration of Mountain painting
  • Art workshop and step by step watercolour painting demo
  • Watercolor painting workshop by Chitra Vaidya - Part 1
  • Art workshop with watercolour painting demo by Chitra Vaidya - Part 2
  • How to paint video - painting demo using oil pastels by artist and art teacher by Chitra Vaidya
  • Rose flower by artist and art teacher Chitra Vaidya
  • Step by step canvas painting by artist and art teacher Chitra Vaidya
  • Object drawing and painting demo video of leaf painting in oil pastels by artist Chitra Vaidya
  • Step by step painting demo in oil pastels - tree painting by artist Chitra Vaidya
  • Object drawing and object painting - step by step painting demo - part 1
  • Object drawing and object painting with poster colours - part 2
  • Painting demo of village painting in oil pastels by artist Chitra Vaidya
  • Pencil drawing demo, conducted by artist and art teacher Chitra Vaidya
  • Step by step landscape painting, nature painting by artist Chitra Vaidya
  • Step by step painting demo in oil pastels - tree painting by artist Chitra Vaidya
  • Object drawing and object painting - step by step painting demo - part 1
  • Object drawing and object painting with poster colours - part 2
  • Village painting in oil pastels by artist Chitra Vaidya
  • Pencil drawing demo, conducted by artist and art teacher Chitra Vaidya
  • Step by step landscape painting, nature painting by artist Chitra Vaidya