“Beyond the Pencil: The Realism and Resolve of Akash Kulkarni”
In a world constantly chasing shortcuts and instant gratification, Akash Kulkarni, a self-taught realistic sketch and mixed media artist from Pune, India, stands as a quiet yet powerful reminder of what passion, patience, and persistence can create.
His artistic journey began in the most innocent and organic way — as a child in 2nd grade, simply doodling shapes under his mother’s guidance. “Since then, I have never dropped my pencil,” he says — a simple yet profound statement that sums up a lifelong commitment to his art.
Art That Speaks with Detail
Akash is best known for his realistic graphite sketches, capturing faces and emotions with intense precision. His works are not only technically refined but also emotionally compelling. His signature style lies in deep detailing, bringing life to his portraits. Clients often approach him for personalized portrait sketches, where every wrinkle, every glance, and every strand of hair is thoughtfully etched with care.
What makes his style stand out is not just the realism — it’s the patience behind it. A powerful example of this is his sketch of Shri Krishna’s idol, a piece that took him over a month to complete. “I put in so much effort, I had back pain… but when I finished, I had tears in my eyes. It turned out so beautifully. I even won an award for it,” he recalls. That moment remains one of the proudest in his career.
The Inner Process Behind Every Masterpiece
Before pencil hits paper, Akash begins with a sketch in his mind’s eye. He envisions the composition and then searches for a reference that aligns with his imagination. Once he finds that perfect match, he translates the vision onto paper — blending technique with emotion, line by line.
His current work-in-progress, titled “Anxiety,” is an A3-sized realistic portrait exploring a more intense, emotional theme. It shows his willingness to go beyond just likeness and dive into deeper psychological states through visual expression.
Art as Therapy, Art as Motivation
Like many artists, Akash has battled his share of struggles — art blocks, self-doubt, and laziness. But every time he felt like giving up, he reminded himself: “My art is my therapy.” That belief keeps him grounded. He draws motivation from the reactions his work receives — heartfelt comments, the support of loved ones, and most importantly, the reflection in the mirror that says: “You are an artist.”
He is deeply inspired by the work of many artists (even if their names escape him) and takes every encounter with great art as a learning experience.
The Bigger Dream
Akash is not just sketching to pass time or to fill a page. He’s actively building a career and seeking to establish his identity in the art world. His dream is simple — yet massive: to be known for what he loves doing.
The message he wants to pass on through his work is powerful and heartfelt:
“Don’t leave what you love, even when it gets difficult. Sit through the pain, the block, the exhaustion. Finish what you started — because the result will be worth every second.”
To the Artists Who Are Still Finding Their Way
To upcoming artists, Akash offers a single line of advice, hard-earned from years of sketching:
“Don’t stop. Accept failures. That’s how we learn and grow.”
Follow Akash’s journey and artworks: @akash.draws.it
Let his story remind you that sometimes, all you need is a pencil, a purpose, and the courage to keep going — no matter how long the sketch takes.
