Artists’ Sketchbooks 07: Pratap Chalke

There is vibrancy to Pratap’s work that draws you in from your first glance. His strokes are fluid and animated, his portraits layered and every line serves a purpose. Whether it’s his intimate sketchbook or his intricately detailed characters, his work proves a visual delight, with something to sustain every taste and aesthetic.

Who?

Pratap Chalke is a Mumbai based illustrator. He studied Applied Art at the B. S. Bandekar College of Fine Art, and has been working as an illustrator with Locopopo Design Studio for three years and also works on freelance illustration projects.

Tell us a little about your work and artistic practice.

“I grew up in the midst of nature in a small village in the Konkan region. There was a lot of inspiration in the beauty of this place for an artist like me and my family has always encouraged me through the years. While pursuing my bachelor’s degree I focused on creating a good foundation in drawing and chose to specialize in Illustration; I’ve never left my sketchbook since.

I also like to read and watch movies, and I enjoy observation – its like an art in itself, it helps me put things down on paper through my sketches.”

What does your sketchbook mean to you?

“My day starts and ends with sketching, whatever I experience in my daily life reflects in my sketchbook. It is like a personal diary of emotions and experiences and it also helps me clear my mind. One thought or idea leads to another similar thought or visual and a series is formed, different styles come with different thoughts. Sketching is like meditation for me, it keeps me fresh and opens my mind to something new each time.”

Could you share one piece from your sketchbook that means something to you.

“I’ve been doing beard sketches for a while; I like to do it for practice. Sometimes I like to add an unrealistic touch to it - to add some weird fun to the illustration. The sketch I’ve chosen is one such piece with such visual imagination. I really enjoyed doing this.”