An avid painter, Chitra Vaidya likes to explore themes and subjects in a special way so as bring to life the essence and ethos of her subjects, which have been very diverse as can be seen from her portfolio.
Hailing from the illustrious Wakankar family, Chitra aims to carry forward the rich legacy of her grandfathers one of whom (Shri. Vishnu S. Wakankar) is best known for his widely acclaimed work relating to discovery and research on the cave art at Bhimbetka; whereas the other one (Lipikar Shri. L. S. Wakankar) was known for his pioneering work in Calligraphy.
Chitra has been a popular art teacher as she enjoys working with children and kindle the creative instincts in them. She has been conducting art workshops for children of all age groups and has done live painting demonstrations at several educational institutions.
Chitra completed her graduate and postgraduate studies from Sir J. J. School of Arts, Mumbai and has nine 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 realm of painting should go far beyond creating a visual document and should in fact reflect the character of the subject. It is this belief and approach to painting that make Chitra stand out.
Born
Education
- 1985 : G. D. Art (Govt. Diploma in Art) from Sir. J. J. School of Art, Mumbai
- 1986 : B. F. A. (Bachelors degree in Fine Arts) 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 Exhibitions
- 2015 : Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 2015 : Raja Ravi Varma Art Gallery, Pune
- 2013 : Invited for a solo show of paintings organised byIndiaart Gallery for Citi Wealth, Pune
- 2012, 2006 : Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 2009 : Nehru Centre Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 2008 : Hotel Kohinoor Continental, Mumbai
- 2004 : Showcase Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 2004 : Nehru Centre 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 Exhibitions
- 2014 : Invited to be part of "Art Fusion Show 2014" organised by Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai. This sponsored show was hosted at Hall of Progress, Nehru Centre, Mumbai.
- 2014 : Invited to be part of the group show "Celebrating Womanhood" which featured 24 women artists from India. This sponsored show was hosted at Tilting Art Gallery, Ishanya, Pune.
- 2014 : Invited to be part of the group show "Soul Sante", a Spiritual Expression which featured 13 artists. This sponsored show was hosted at
Tilting Art Gallery, Ishanya, Pune.
- 2011 : My Spirituality by Chitraspandan at Kalabhavan, Thane
- 2010 : Dhara Monsoon Show by Chitraspandan at Kalabhavan, Thane
- 2009 : Indiaart Gallery, Pune
- 2009, 2008, 2006 : Chatak Monsoon Show, Nehru Centre, Mumbai
- 2006 : Indian Oil Art Exhibition, Mumbai
- 2005 : Chatak Monsoon Show, Nehru Centre, Mumbai
- 2004 : Art Society of India - Annual Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 2004 : Indian Oil Art Exhibition, Mumbai
- 2003 : State Art Exhibition at Nehru Centre, Mumbai
- 2003 : Art Society of India - Annual Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, Mumbai
- 2002 : Indian Oil Art Exhibition, Mumbai
- 2002, 2000 : Art Society of India - Annual Exhibition at Jehangir Art Gallery, 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
Painting Workshops & Demonstrations
- 2011 : Lecture & Demonstration : Watercolour painting for students of Madhavrao Bhagwat High School,Vile Parle, Mumbai as part of "Art to
School's project of 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 : Demonstration of watercolour painting on the occasion of late Shri M. K. Kelkar's death anniversary at Dadar, Mumbai
- 2011 : Lecture & Demonstration : Watercolour painting for students of Jnana Prabodhini Prashala, Pune as part of "Art to Schools" project of Art
India Foundation
- 2009 : Teacher training program for art teachers at Shri N. D. Bhuta High School, Andheri, Mumbai
Events
- 2014 : Was closely involved with Indiaart in planning and organising the Children's Art exhibition at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai
- 2014 : Invited as a judge at State Level painting Competition on 'Energy Conservation' for school children
- 2014 : Invited as a Judge at 'Earth Day Painting Competition', BNHS
- 2014 : Organised an Art Workshop at Vile Parle for Children
- 2013 : Outdoor Sketching and Painting Workshop at Borivali National Park, Mumbai February
- 2013 : Invited as a judge at World Wetlands Day Poster Competition, BNHS
- Invited as a judge at the Inter College festival "Blow - Fest" December 2012
- Organised an Outdoor session with students appearing for Intermediate Grade Examination September 2012
- Painting demonstration at Empress Garden by Chitra Vaidya on the occasion of Pune Heritage Cycle Ride on Sunday 22nd April 2012 organised by Art
India Foundation
- Was closely involved with Indiaart in planning and organising the Children's Art exhibition at Nehru Centre, Worli, Mumbai
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
Memberships
- Art Society of India
- Bombay Art Society
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, have been teaching drawing and painting to students of Class V and above, 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
Travels
- Travelled in India and Europe for visiting museums, galleries and for sketching and painting
Articles
- Contributed articles on Art for the monthly magazine for children "Chhatra Prabodhan" published by Jnana Prabodhini, Pune
Interests
- Travel
- Children's Art
- Tribal and Folk Art
