Onika Maheshwari/ New Delhi

"My father died of cancer when I was in the 9th grade. My family was in deep grief and faced a mountain of difficulties. My mother worked as a household help to ensure my younger brother continued his studies.

“My conditions inspired me as I took difficulties as an opportunity. I expressed myself through my paintings, which were appreciated.

Today, my paintings and portraits are appreciated in America, Europe, and Gulf countries,” Adnan Ansari, a student pursuing an M.Com degree from Aligarh Muslim University, told Awaz- Voice over the phone.

Adnan had been fond of drawing since his school days, and to support his family, he took up his hobby as a profession. After his father passed away, his mother had to take care of the family all by herself. During the COVID-induced lockdown, I worked on my drawing skills at home using a pencil and paper.

Adnan Ansari at work

After this, Adnan created his  Instagram page and uploaded his paintings on it. He received appreciation for his art. “Appreciation for one’s work is fine, but I cannot fill stomachs or run the family,” he said.

Soon after, Adnan completed his schooling at Aligarh Public School, one of his juniors placed an order over the phone for his portrait.

“That was my first earning. I received Rs 200 as remuneration. I never looked back. I was encouraged to make better paintings as I realised that I would start earning. My hard work and dedication have paid off, and today I am at a stage where my paintings are in demand even abroad.”

Today his Instagram page is doing well. “My followers are increasing, and I upload all my works for sale on it.”

He receives all his orders through Instagram. “I currently have orders for paintings from America, UK, Canada, and Saudi Arabia,” said Adnan. So far, his most expensive painting has been for Rs 40,000.

Adnan Ansari with some of his works

Adnan said that he has been trying to understand life from his perspective and process his feelings on canvas. That process makes him serve people through his art. His paintings reflect the maturity of his imagination.

According to him, copying something and making it exactly like it is not the definition of art.

Adnan said that he could make a painting of any kind, even from the oldest torn photographs. "For example, if you give me a colour or black and white photograph, I will make it exactly like the original, which will make you feel that this one is better, no matter how old the photograph is, if there is even 10 to 15 percent imagination in it, then I can make it."

Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that his mother, Rashida Begum, is not educated and has a small income through doing small household work, which is not enough for the family. His younger brother Bilal Ansari is in school.

Adnan Ansari's art

Adnan Ansari told Awaz-The Voice that he was thankful to former Aligarh MP Jamal Khwaja for providing him with a place to live. “We do not have a house and a Jamal Khwaja for whom my mother works, has kindly given a portion of his bungalow for my family to live.”

Adnan told Awaz-The Voice that I am currently doing post-graduation from Aligarh Muslim University. Along with this, I am improving my art through social media. However, my work is more understood and liked abroad. But I hope that one day I will get a big honor at the national and international level, and I am working hard for that.

Adnan said, "I started with pencil and sheet, so till now whatever paintings I have made, I have used only charcoal pencil, charcoal powder, eraser, cutter scale, knife. Now that I have money, I am also using canvas, light, computer, camera."

Adnan said that the youth should bring out the talent hidden within them and try to move forward using whatever facilities are available to them. It is not necessary to have big things to make it big, one should bring out the hidden talent and work hard honestly. One day, success wis inevitable.

Adnan Ansari's works

Adnan said, “I mostly like to make a painting which has a story behind it. I keep looking at the paintings of some international-level artists and photographers to get inspired to do my work.”

Adnan Ansari is also a state-level under-19 football champion; he also edits videos on a freelance basis. Adnan wants to build his studio where he can showcase his art and video editing skills and create digital artwork.

Adnan Ansari says that first he prepares a digital layout and sends it to his clients. He does all this through Touchbook software. After approval, he draws it on canvas with a pencil.

Adnan says the price he prices his paintings as per his assessment of the hard work that has gone into each one. “I earn enough to run my household. I am now buying modern tools for my work. I see myself as a big artist of India in the next 5 years.”

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Adnan has received many awards for his art. His works were also on display at the National Art Exhibition, where he received a lot of appreciation. Adnan also actively participates in youth fests and other competitions.