Rohan Dahotre: A Master Illustrator Bridging Wildlife and Art

Rohan Dahotre, a name that resonates strongly in the illustration world, is often celebrated for his remarkable talent and creativity. He is a self-taught illustrator from Pune, renowned for his ability to infuse passion into every project.

Rohan has delivered over 100+ projects, collaborating with global giants like Lamborghini, Google, and Starbucks to name a few. His artistic journey is influenced by observing the works of renowned artists and drawing boundless inspiration from NATURE, which he fondly calls “the greatest artist”, as it offers endless beauty to capture.

In an exclusive interview with Stoned Santa, Rohan has shared his inspiring journey, offering insights into his passion for art.  It is a privilege to showcase his incredible contributions to the world of art and wildlife conservation.

Let’s discover the true inspiration behind his remarkable talents

Rohan Dahotre’s artistic roots trace back to Pune city teeming with biodiversity, where his love for animals and nature first flourished.

His parents recognized Rohan’s artistic potential and fostered a supportive environment that helped to nurture and develop his creativity and skills.

Rohan credits his family for instilling in him the enduring values of humility and perseverance, which remain the cornerstone of his artistic endeavors. As he reflects;

    “The principles and ethics instilled in me at home remain the foundation of my work today.”

From Animation to Wildlife Illustration: Rohan’s Artistic Shift

Rohan developed his strong technical skills working on various animation projects. However, the repetitive nature of the work left him creatively dissatisfied. However, after a few years, Rohan switched to wildlife illustration – a deeply personal choice to align his work with his passion.  

A phrase that aptly describes Rohan’s transition – “When one creative door closes, another opens” often leading you to more fulfilling paths.

A Fusion of Traditional and Digital Mediums

As an artist, Rohan values the combination of both traditional techniques and modern digital tools in his creative process. Digital tools like Adobe Illustrator, Photoshop, and Procreate for intricate illustrations and pens, markers, and paints for embracing the hands-on nature.

Rohan actively shares his captivating illustrations by posting them on various social media platforms, where his nearly 17K followers actively engage with his posts and insights he shares.

Wildlife as a Mission: Art for Awareness

For Rohan, wildlife is not just a subject; it’s a visual appeal. 

Through his art, he aims to highlight the stunning beauty of biodiversity and the need for conservation. 

From the majestic tiger to the endangered pangolin, all his illustrations are aesthetically captivating and deeply educational.  Rohan is also a co-founder of Jungleemau, which he considers a medium to communicate his thoughts to society. Wildlife-themed products and initiatives by Jungleemaau, serve as educational tools, inspiring people to cherish and protect the planet. 

He emphasizes that every person’s contribution,  no matter how seemingly insignificant, collectively makes a difference.

Creative Excellence: Iconic Collaborations and Global Awards

Rohan’s unswerving dedication has reaped him recognition nationally and internationally. Some key highlights include

• Behance Feature – Showcasing his exceptional artistic talent
• Online Design Awards (ODA) – Honoured for his artistic prowess.
• Media Presence:  Featured in renowned outlets like; Creative Gaga, Design Pool, Bored Panda, 9Gag, Design Boom, Design Taxi.

This highlights his unique ability to blend artistry with advocacy, resonating with a global audience. Rohan says,

“Adapting my style for diverse projects, while staying true to my mission has been key to my success.”

Noteworthy Collaborations:

Rohan Dahotre has earned collaborations with industry giants like Google, BBC, Lamborghini, Starbucks, WWF, Scholastics, and HarperCollins – brands that are celebrated globally for their excellence and innovation. These are not milestones in his career but chapters filled with invaluable learning.

From Google, he gleaned the importance of adaptability and innovation by creating the Har Gobind Khorana Google Doodle by stepping out of his comfort zone to pay homage to a scientific pioneer. 

By collaborating with Lamborghini he learned that branding campaigns require a bold and innovative art style. For Starbucks, he designed eco-friendly merchandise inspired by wildlife themes. With Scholastics and HarperCollins collab, he illustrated children’s books, combining storytelling with vibrant visuals, and with WWF (World Wildlife Fund) he created art to promote conservation efforts globally.

Each project enriched his vision, blending the expertise of these trailblazers with his artistic sensibility. These experiences were professional accomplishments and transformative.

Challenges: The Realities of an Artist’s Life

Success stories often overshadow the real challenges faced by creative professionals behind the scenes. Rohan’s journey illustrates this well. As a freelancer, he had to deal with often overlooked complexities of managing finances, invoices, and taxes – critical aspects that demand discipline and adaptability.

Emphasizing the delicate equilibrium between creative expression and commercial demands, Rohan strives to remain authentic to his storytelling and conservation mission even in collaborations with renowned brands like Google and Lamborghini. 

A balance of creativity and practicality is a powerful reminder of every success story. 

Inspirations: Blend of Global and Indian Artistry 

For Rohan, it’s the rich tapestry woven with threads of global brilliance and Indian tradition, blending the avant-garde strokes of Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent van Gogh, and Picasso, with the reminiscent storytelling of Indian legends like R.K. Laxman and Mario Miranda. Their visual storytelling has profoundly impacted Rohan, grounding him in his cultural heritage while expanding his artistic horizons.

A Contemporary Perspective: Reflections on AI Art

Rohan’s perspective on AI-generated art highlights a nuanced understanding of the intersection between technology and creativity. While he acknowledges the efficiency AI brings to art creation, he emphasizes the unique, irreplaceable qualities of human creativity. 

For Rohan, true art is not merely producing visually appealing outcomes but conveying emotional depth, thought, and spontaneity – these elements that machines, despite their capabilities, cannot genuinely replicate.

A Vision for the Future

Rohan aspires to expand his digital wildlife art projects to inspire a global audience. He envisions a future where his art becomes a catalyst for inspiring change. He strategies to create Children’s Books, aiming to educate young minds about wildlife conservation. Rohan shares;

   “I want my art to inspire people to care about the world we live in. If my illustrations can spark even a small change in mindset, I’ll consider it a success.”

Expanding his reach, Rohan also working on launching Eco-Friendly Merchandise products featuring his signature wildlife-inspired art, making sustainability a tangible part of daily life. Saying that he hopes to partner with Global Organizations to amplify his conservation message through impactful campaigns.

Conclusion: The Legacy of Rohan Dahotre

Rohan Dahotre is more than just an artist – he is a storyteller who uses his art to convey powerful messages, a conservationist dedicated to preserving wildlife, and an inspiration in so many ways. His journey—from a budding illustrator to a globally acknowledged artist, highlights the importance of passion, perseverance, and a sense of purpose in achieving success.

Looking for breathtaking illustrations? Let Stoned Santa bring your vision to life!

Artoonzz by Aryan: From Science Student to Self-Taught Animation Star

Aryan, a self-taught animator, and his journey as an artist exemplifies the timeless truth: 

“Every adversity carries within it the seed of an equal or greater opportunity”

Aryan is an inspiring young animator from Madhya Pradesh, who started his journey as an animator during the 2020-21 pandemic.

While others were grappling with uncertainty and hardship, he chose to turn his challenges into a chance for the growth of digital art success.

Read on to discover how Aryan built ARTOONZZ into a community of 300K followers.

From Setbacks to Success: The ARTOONZZ Journey

Aryan used the opportunity to transform his passion for animation into a meaningful pursuit. Where many of us saw despair, he saw inspiration. Driven by curiosity and determination, he began self-learning the art of animation with minimal resources and a strong vision. 

Despite facing setbacks when his initial Instagram page failed to gain much attention, he didn’t give up. Instead, he revamped his Instagram page as ARTOONZZ_ and decided to keep his identity low-key, by focusing on his work rather than personal attention. Today, his animations are a source of joy and nostalgia for about 300K followers, but his story is about more than numbers; it’s about passion, perseverance, and balance.

Artoonzz, and Aryan: Balancing Life, Chemistry, And Creativity

Aryan’s story is about balancing his family’s expectations while pursuing his dreams. He has honored his parents’ wishes to build a traditional career in Science by pursuing a full-time M.Sc. in Chemistry.

Aryan credits his parents for always supporting him while encouraging him to focus on his studies first. His journey shows how with determination and balance, it’s possible to achieve your goals while keeping your family happy.

Sketches, Dance, and Dreams: The Origins of Aryan’s Artoonzz

Aryan’s animation journey started in his teenage years, driven by a passion for sketching, and drawing, and inspired by animators he admired on Instagram. However, Aryan’s talents extend beyond animation—he is also an incredible dancer.

For once, he even considered dance as a career before animation stole his heart. His story resonates with aspiring creators on Instagram and beyond.

When asked Aryan how he manages his studies, freelancing, and thriving Instagram page? He chuckled and said,

“I enjoy the process!”

For him, Animation is more than a hustle; it’s a passion that energizes him. His animations often reminisce nostalgic childhood memories or relatable moments, which has helped him build a loyal audience who eagerly await his next post.

“My followers keep me motivated,” Aryan shares. “Their love for my work fuels me to keep creating. At the same time, I prioritize my studies because they provide a solid foundation for the future, whether animation remains a hustle or becomes my full-time career. It’s a win-win: my parents are happy, and I get to invest in better tools for animation!”     

Freelancing is another creative outlet for Aryan, which he dedicates to weekends. 

“Working with clients helps me explore new ideas and keeps my creativity alive,” he explains.

Future Plans: Building Dreams Beyond 2025

As Aryan approaches the completion of his M.Sc Chemistry in April 2025, his focus remains on achieving academic excellence while strategically planning his creative future. His immediate aim is to establish a constant income, streamlined through Social Media, leveraging the growing outreach of his animation brand, ARTOONZZ_ to sustain his passion for animation and explore collaborations with brands. 

Expanding Horizons with YouTube

Aryan plans to dedicate substantial time to creating his YouTube channel, where he intends to create content that connects with his audience on a personal level. His focus will be on producing videos that evoke nostalgia are relatable, and offer engaging animation. He aims to cultivate a loyal audience and expand his creative influence.

Building a Personal Brand In The Animation World

Aryan’s long-term goal is to transform his work into a recognizable brand in the animation industry. He plans to enhance his storytelling, animation quality, and overall creative reach. By consistently delivering valuable content and experiences to his audience, Aryan believes that he will expand his followers and establish a lasting legacy in the animation world.

Stoned Santa wishes Aryan, and Artoonzz, the very best for his upcoming exams and future endeavors! 🌟

For custom animations, brand promotions, or collaboration with talented animators like Aryan – reach out to Stoned Santa today!  

You can call Shashank at +916201162515 or email us at shashank@stonedsanta.in. Let’s bring your ideas to life! 🎨✨

While there are several facets of art, for the animator Saksham Chaurasiya, it is not only a lifelong passion but also a means to express his thoughts and emotions about life. Life of Mash, is Saksham’s Instagram page with 100k followers, where you can explore all the funny and relatable animations created by him. A self-taught animator from the heart of India, Madhya Pradesh, he puts all his heart into his artworks to animate the characters and stories in his animations. 

Stoned Santa had the opportunity to interview Saksham Chaurasiya, and learn about his story, and life as an animator.

Let’s dive into Saksham’s journey from rough cartoon paintings to professional animations.

The Humble Beginning of Animation in Saksham’s Life

Saksham had a strong fascination with watching cartoons and painting since childhood. He says, ‘I loved art and drawing cartoons since childhood, but animation was something that I learned through YouTube tutorials and videos.’ 

Despite having been born and brought-up in a small town, Gwalior, Saksham endeavoured to pursue his dream of excelling in animation. He started working in the field of animation from 2022. 

The reluctance of Saksham’s father to trust the relevance of animation in facilitating a sustainable career also created relevant challenges for him early during his journey. However, over the years, seeing the growing popularity of Life of Mash,  his father has started acknowledging his art and giving him adequate encouragement and support.

The Growth of an Animation Artist

Saksham Chaurasiya is highly creative in blending his art with digital tools and devices. He uses the software Krita to enliven his ideas as he works on them frame by frame. His animations are usually focused on themes such as current trends, childhood memories with friends, and his reflective thoughts about life, religion, and comedy, which are meticulously crafted, scripted, designed and refined by him. 

One of the key features to note in his animations is a male character with spectacles and blue attire. He is inspired by his perception of a ‘faltu man’ who is believed to be worthless but tackles various relatable everyday events of life intelligently.  

Saksham’s Formula for Viral Animation Reels: Comedy and Relatability

The uniqueness of Saksham’s animation lies in his characters, humorous and conceptual storytelling. He explains, ‘I want to make people smile, laugh and reflect on life by connecting my content with the moments from everyday lives.’ 

The most popular reel on Life of Mash by Saksham has reached 12.1 Million views, and most of his reels usually get about 5M-6M views each.

At this rate, we won’t be surprised if he grows to a Million followers in a few months.

Want to connect with Saksham or other talented animators for unique brand promotions? 

Bigger Dreams for Future in Animation

Saksham’s journey into animation does not end at Life of Mash; it’s just the beginning. His aspirations go far beyond Instagram and YouTube. He also wants to develop excellence in 3D animation and VFX, and to open his own animation studio. His dreams of producing longer videos on YouTube and creating videos focusing on trends, nostalgia, and comedy are something to look forward to. 

Advice for Aspiring Animators: Consistency and Relatability 

Saksham’s advice for aspiring animators is simple yet profound. He says, ‘consistency and creating content that helps the audience to emotionally connect with the content is the key. Also, never stop learning and keep on!’ 

Saksham also acknowledges the unpredictability of social media and asserts that good quality and relatability will always give you an edge! 

From creating cartoons in a small town to aspiring to release his cartoon series, Saksham’s journey of self-belief and resilience is a testament to the power of strong-headed dreams and passion. His story is sure to inspire you to overcome any obstacle in your path. 

In a world where people like me and you keep cribbing about our day-to-day incidents, Anusha has been creating humorous animations on such daily life events and has been captivating the hearts of so many people. 

Anusha is a passionate animation artist from Bangalore, whose Instagram handle- MyLittleBubbble is nearing 100,000 followers, and has become a name to follow in digital animation with her creative animations, witty storytelling, keen observation and quirky humour. However, Anusha’s career had begun as a product designer and animation has been an added skill that she had developed over the years. 

MyLittleBubbble – Anusha’s creation, signifies a journey powered by persistence, sheer hard work and passion for art.   

Stoned Santa got the wonderful opportunity to interview Anusha and gain insights into the creative journey of this enthusiastic and avid artist and her career as an Animator.

Creativity Nurtured during Childhood

Having been born in the United States and later moving to India, Anusha’s childhood was a rich tapestry of diverse cultures and unique experiences. Her early love for drawing cartoons and doodling has blossomed into a career in art, a journey that is truly inspirational and unique. 

While Anusha’s parents appreciated and supported her passion for art since childhood, her father suggested that she pursue a future career in a field that aligns with and fuels her creativity. 

This support encouraged her and laid the foundation for an educational path that included graduation in Communication Design from MSU, Gujarat, followed by a master’s in design from Dhirubhai Ambani Institute, while giving wings to her artistic fervours.

The Birth of MyLittleBubbble by Anusha

While Anusha had been engaged with art and doodling since her childhood, receiving the Wacom tablet to learn software was a key event that motivated her to try her hands with traditional digital illustrations and different frames for animation. This became a time to explore new software for animation, techniques, characters and storytelling through animations. She started designing frame by frame and eventually learnt to transform digital illustrations into reels. 

However, until 2019, this practice was just a hobby, and it was the COVID-19 pandemic that became the key turning point for Anusha’s creative journey. 

She realised a sudden rise in the popularity of the reel culture during the lockdown, with several artists posting humorous content and gaining immense appreciation and engagement from the audience, and thus MyLittleBubbble was born. 

Anusha took inspiration from this trend and decided to experiment with reels on Instagram and ta-da! there has been no looking back since then. “People started connecting very soon. One of my earliest reels received 2.5 million views and my followers on Instagram rose from 400 to 10,000, within a few days, right after this reel…now this really boosted my confidence and motivation!”

Can you guess the views received by her most-viewed reel? It is an exponentially high figure of 35 million views! Marvelous isn’t it? In fact several other reels designed by Anusha have reached a smashing figure of 15million views. 

Over time, as Anusha’s skill at animation and storytelling improved, she established illustrations and animation as a side hustle. 

Engaging the Audience with Quirky Storytelling

Anusha’s approach to crafting reels is a unique blend of creativity and strategy. Her MyLittleBubbble draws inspiration from daily observations and everyday events, often overlooked but easily relatable. Her reels are designed for quick and easy viewing, making them highly shareable and increasing her reach among the audience. 

Her animation content showcases themes relating to childhood nostalgia, women-centric stories and mother-daughter relationships. She also stresses, “I believe people find them relatable and become highly engaged with the content.” 

Balancing Profession and Passion 

Anusha’s love for art could not keep her away from art even at her professional front and ensures an adequate balance between her work and artwork. She has a good experience of working as a UI-UX designer at TCS and in product development at Games247 – A leading gaming company from India, that have further honed her skills in designing and developing interactive animations. 

Managing animation reels on MyLiitleBubbble and work projects often get hectic, so she keeps her notes ready with ideas, and whenever time allows, she creates four to five reels at a time and keeps posting them on social media. “Instagram has become too saturated, and it is essential to keep an effective track of your audience demographics and keep them engaged consistently in the reels,” says Anusha. 

Brand Collaborations that made MyLittleBubbble Shine 

Anusha’s growing popularity and recognition by the audience on her Instagram Page, MyLittleBubbble have attracted several brands like Atulya Cosmetics and Toesmith as she endeavours to pursue animation art as her full-time profession. 

Anusha’s key strength is integrating creativity and strategy, which enables her to create a clever blend of storytelling and brand promotion. She says, ‘I design brand promotion for Instagram such that it does not appear like an advertisement, but an artwork that the audience can quickly relate to. 

For the future, Anusha seeks to transform her animation work on MyLittleBubbble from a side hustle to a full-time profession and aspires to work with brands that align with her content relating to childhood, mother-daughter relationships and youth. She also seeks to become more active on YouTube through vlogging based on her personal life experiences and engage the audience.

An inspiring journey of blending creativity with relatability and strategy! Isn’t it?

If you are also looking for some unique and fresh custom animations for your brand assets or brand promotion or want to work with animators, contact Stoned Santa for your  go-to artist! 

We are a one-stop avenue for all your creative requirements, who would love to work with you!

10 Famous Oil Paintings that Changed the World of Art

From a means of communication to religious expression to the portrayal of human emotions and experience, oil paintings on canvas have served not only as creative expressions but also as stories representing entire eras! They depict not only the painting styles, art movements, culture, and the milieu of an age but also the mindset of the people of that age. 

Whether it is the anxiety of the modern age depicted by Edvard Munch in The Scream or leisure and escapism among people portrayed in Georges Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte, you can perceive the thoughts and attitudes of the people of that age in the oil paintings. 

Perhaps… maybe this is why the beauty of a handcrafted oil painting is more appreciated for preserving our most beautiful memories than photographs despite their highly advanced features. They capture not only memories, but also the essence of the memories!

Let’s explore some world-famous oil paintings and dive deeper into the brushstrokes on the canvas! 

Mona Lisa by Leonardo da Vinci

The apex of creative excellence that continues to intrigue the viewers with its captivating smile. Yes! ‘Mona Lisa’ it is! The oil painting where the sitter’s identity has been subjected to much debate and speculation. 

While some scholars have suggested her to be Lisa del Giocondo, the wife of a Florentine merchant, others have guessed it to be Caterina, Leonardo’s mother or even Leonardo’s self-portrait…the mystery continues. 

But that is not all that elevates its fame. The painting signifies Leonardo’s skilful use of sfumato, which involves gradual blending and fine shading to create lifelike emotion. This technique, along with observations of female anatomy, folded fabrics, delicate veil, sensuous curves of her hair and the sombre valleys and rivers in the background, makes the Mona Lisa seem so real. 

Mona Lisa is also the first portrait to showcase the sitter in front of an imaginary landscape and the first use of aerial perspective. 

The Starry Night by Vincent Van Gogh

One of the most renowned paintings in Western Art, Van Gogh’s Starry Night is a luminous oil on canvas that was created during his stay at the Paul-de-Mausole asylum in France, several months after having suffered from a mental breakdown where he had even cut his own ear with a razor. 

During his stay at the asylum, he witnessed several bursts of productivity along with moods of anguish. Van Gogh preferred depicting his observations on the canvas. 

Likewise, The Starry Night portrays the night sky over the Province, wherein the whirling view of the sky reflects his turbulent emotions and edifying thoughts along with his appreciation of nature and its serene beauty. 

The painting is heavily inspired by post-impressionism and signifies the use of swirling brushstrokes, vigorous lines and contrasting colours. 

Girl with the Pearl Earring by Johannes Vermeer

Heard of ‘Mona Lisa of the North’? Yes, Johannes Vermeer’s Girl with a Pearl Earring is referred to be the one because of the mysterious identity of the girl and her enigmatic expression. 

However, this painting is not a formal portrait but a Dutch genre called ‘tronie’, highlighting a headshot with lively physiognomy. 

Apart from the matched colour palette and refined brushwork, the oil painting is famous for its soft eyes, pearl earrings and the intense gaze of the girl, evoking an elegant yet mysterious appeal. 

The Persistence of Memory by Salvador Dalí

The Scream by Edvard Munch

Want to gain a glimpse of the mind of any age, go to the art and paintings of that age!

Yes, just as the paintings of Leonardo da Vinci evoked self-control and serenity of the age of Renaissance through his paintings like the Mona Lisa, Munch portrayed the uncertainty and anxiety of the modern age so vividly in his oil painting, The Scream.

While Munch designed four different versions of The Scream, each one evokes the inner turmoil and existential dread he personally experienced having heard a sharp scream passing through nature while walking with his friends. 

In the painting, the wavy portrayal of the sky and water in distorted form and vivid hues convey a strong sense of disorientation, a key characteristic of Expressionism.

Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David

Painted in commemoration of Napoleon’s campaign across the Alps in 1800, particularly while crossing the Great Bernard Pass, Napoleon Crossing the Alps by Jacques-Louis David signifies his military courage. 

A fun fact: David created five versions of the painting between 1801 and 1805! The first version was commissioned by Charles IV, King of Spain, during the exchange of gifts between Spain and France to restore the relationship between the two countries. The portrait was to be hung in the Royal Palace of Madrid.

The second and third versions were commissioned by Napoleon himself to establish his military strength and power. The fourth version was commissioned by the Republic of Cisalpine and aimed at reinforcing control of Italy by Napoleon, while the last version aimed to acknowledge David’s artistic accomplishments. 

These four versions are displayed at the Belvedere Museum, Palace of Versailles, Kunsthistorisches Museum and Walker Art Gallery. 

Although Napoleon crossed the Alps on a mule and adorned a less glamorous attire, his portrayal with a muscular horse and glamorous attire in the painting emphasises the courage, prowess and authority of Napoleon, thereby making this oil painting a strong symbol of heroism and emphasising the legendary status of Napoleon. 

Despite the portrayal of an event from history, the painting conveys a timeless conception of man controlling power over himself and the natural world, which further elevates the popularity of the painting. 

A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte by Georges Seurat

The highlight of Seurat’s A Sunday Afternoon on the Island of La Grande Jatte is its ambiguities. The painting portrays the upper- and middle-class Parisians on a day of leisure at La Grande Jatte, located near Paris. 

At one end, the painting shows the celebration of the idyllic pleasures of life on a warm spring day; on the other side, it also counterintuitively demonstrates a deep sense of desolation. The men and women in the painting appear frozen in time, detached from one another, and also showcase the mindset of the modern age. 

Apart from the imagery portrayed in this painting, the key highlight of this work is the use of Pointillism, a technique involving the use of small dots of colours to create an image. The optical mixture of unified and vivid colours directly captivates the viewers’ attention.

The Last Supper by Leonardo da Vinci

The oil painting was commissioned by the Duke of Milan, Ludovico Sforza, and portrays the scene where Jesus reveals that one of the apostles will betray him. 

Unlike the frescoes painted on wet plaster for longevity during the Renaissance, The Last Supper was painted on a dry wall with oil and tempera for Leonardo’s aspiration to achieve greater precision and luminosity.

However, this experimental technique by Leonardo made the painting highly prone to deterioration, discolouration, and flaking, which is complicated for restoration.

While Leonardo took three years to complete, the masterpiece has undergone decades of restoration. At one end, the painting demonstrates Leonardo’s perception of the scene and his focus on drawing the viewers’ attention to the centre of the frame where he positioned Jesus with his apostles reacting in different emotions to His revelation. On the other, it showcases Leonardo’s artistic genius, vision and creativity.

The endeavours and time dedicated to preserving The Last Supper highlight its importance to the history of art, human creativity and Leonardo’s skill of capturing human expressions that have transcended decades. 

Guernica by Pablo Picasso

If you believe that art is only for décor and beautification, you must explore Guernica by Pablo Picasso, that created the most powerful political statement by portraying the devastation of the Basque town of Guernica by the Nazi’s shocking casual bombing during the Spanish Civil War. 

The painting portrays the tragedies of War and the sufferings inflicted upon innocent civilians, which have elevated the status of this artwork to an anti-war symbol and an embodiment of peace.

The painting played a major role in bringing the War to the world’s attention. 

The composition of the painting involving distorted and semi-abstracted bodies, dismembered body parts, sharp angular lines, and overriding visual order evokes a sense of chaos and confusion, highlighting the violence during the War, further highlighting the political significance of the painting.

The Arnolfini Portrait by Jan Van Eyck

While some claim the oil painting to be symbolising the Italian merchant Arnolfini’s Marriage, some claim that it portrays pregnant Mrs Arnolfini, who had died during childbirth, yet some others assert that painting pregnant women during the early Renaissance was considered indecorous, and it is just the excess fabric creating a domelike silhouette of the lady. 

Likewise, with the unresolved mystery, the painting continues to intrigue the viewers. It is this aspect of the oil painting that makes it so fascinating. 

The painting also showcases the oil glazing technique used by Van Eyck to create texture and depth and highlight realism. The close attention to precise details such as the texture of the fabrics, the glazing eyes and the position of the lady’s hand and the reflective mirror and chandelier also signify the focus on meticulous details during the early Renaissance.

The Final Brushstroke!

Are you intrigued by the fascinating timelessness and ways of art serving as a peephole to history, culture and perception of different ages, emotions and art techniques from different eras? Do you feel inspired by these iconic masterpieces of art evoking mystery and brilliance?  

Your wait is surely over now! The artists at Stoned Santa bring history to life through oil paintings and furnish your personal or professional space with the magic of oil painting. 

Hurry up, then! Spot your favourite corners, ready to be adorned with oil paintings, and contact Stoned Santa Now!

What is Quilling Art? How is Amazing Quilling Art Made?

Do you agree that not bits and strips of paper might cause a nuisance, rather, they can be transformed into marvellous handcrafted art?

Yes, paper quilling it is, where every curl and twist of the paper strip narrates a story. Are you curious to know how? Dive into this paper quilling guide and join us in exploring the origins, tools, techniques used to make quilling art  and everything that makes paper quilling artwork so stunning. 

Let’s begin the joyous and creative adventure of paper quilling!

What is Paper Quilling?

Paper quilling, also popularly known as paper-scrolling, paper rolling, paper mosaic, and filigree, is a handcrafted art created from strips of paper. These narrow paper stripes are rolled into scrolls or coils and arranged artistically to create elegant filigree. 

It is a versatile art with boundless creative possibilities that range from simple greeting cards to intricate wall hangings. 

Are you eager to discover the magic of rolling and folding paper strips? Keep reading!

Origins of Paper Quilled Artwork

Credit: Medium

Do you know that the name paper quilling is derived from the word ‘quill’, which refers to the hollow and pointed end of a bird’s feather? In ancient times, artisans used these quills to roll, fold, and shape narrow stripes of paper because the sharp and fine tip of the feather helped create elegant and intricate designs. 

This technique is primarily believed to have originated in Egypt where tombs were observed  to be designed with wire in shapes similar to modern quilling. It is also believed that it originated with the invention of paper in China in 105 AD. In the 13th century, metal filigree was extensively used for decoration across countries.

However, paper quilling technique gained immense popularity in the Renaissance during the 15th century, when monks and nuns began using paper in place of precious material like metals and threads of gold and silver, believing it replicated the elegance of fine and intricate metal filigree. 

Moreover, paper quilling is a respected craft used in religious art. It was extensively used to design portraits, architectural designs for the alter, reliquaries, and even cabinets. In these artworks, quilled paper was mixed with colourful threads, metallic beads, and other decorative elements.  

Paper not only became a cheaper alternative but also increased the scope for creativity in the designs. By the 15th century, the craft had gained immense popularity among English women as a major pastime. 

Fast-forward to the 21st century, and paper quilling has adopted advanced techniques such as 3D modelling and husking. It is combined with painting and embroidery to design an extensive range of handcrafted art, from invitations to portraits! 

Thrilled by the fascinating history of paper quilling? Excited to explore the contemporary paper quilled artwork? 

Paper Quilling Tool and Quilling Paper

To begin with quilling, you would need some key tools: 

Quilling Needle: You will find this tool very handy for quilling. It has a small centre slot that helps in attaching the paper string to the roll quilling. Do not worry about whether your paper strips are wider because you can get this tool for various sizes of paper string. 

Point Tweezers: While quilling, you would require picking the narrow paper string, shaping it, and aligning it precisely into the desired shape. This is where point tweezers will be your saviour! 

Thread Snip or Clipper: This tool will be helpful whenever you need to cut the paper strips to the desired length. Of course, you can use scissors, but if you want precision, perfection, and efficiency in your artwork, a clipper has to be your go-to tool. 

White Glue: This water-based glue is perfect for sealing the quilled shapes and organising them effortlessly and effectively on the base. 

Quilling Paper: Of course, you need quilling paper. You can cut narrow strips of paper or buy quilling paper and kits, which can provide uniform-sized strips in a wide range of colours. 

Different sizes of quilled paper can be used for creating this handcraft. The artists at Stoned Santa usually prefer 2mm and 5mm sizes, however, it largely depends on the size and details required in the artwork. 

Ready with all the tools but unable to design the desired quilled shapes? Join paper quilling workshops by the artists at Stoned Santa. 

Making Quilled Paper Artwork Step-by-Step

Designing quilled artwork can be exciting and fulfilling. If you are also eager to try your hands with paper quilling, you can follow these simple steps:

Step 1: To design this extraordinary handcraft, you will require some ordinary things, such as a pair of scissors, glue, quilling paper, a quilling needle, and a base. You can make strips of paper for quilling or buy them. 

Step 2: Select your pattern, colours, and quilling techniques for your artwork. If you are a beginner, go for simple patterns like flowers. 

Step 3: Now roll the paper strips to coil them into your desired shape with the help of the quilling needle tool. Feel free to roll the stripes into loose or tight coils and design them into triangles, hearts, squares, half-moons, marquise, teardrops, ovals, diamond shapes, and swirls as per your selected pattern.

Step 4: Dab some glue on the loose ends of the strips to secure the quilling shapes you have designed.

Step 5: Once you are ready with all the coils, place them on the base according to your selected design and fix them with glue. And voila! Your magnum opus is ready! 

If you are fascinated by paper quilling, and want to get something unique made for yourself, or your loved ones, the paper quilling artists at Stoned Santa can help you! 

Our artists are highly experienced and skilled in using advanced quilling techniques such as 3D mosaic, beehive, and husking, which helps us create intricate and fine motifs with a class finish! 

Are you eager to have one-to-one experience with quilled paper? Join our fun-filled workshops for paper quilling to learn advanced quilling techniques and create your own paper filigree artwork!

Crafts with Quilling Paper: Paper Quilling Ideas

Credit: Pinterest

Paper Quilling for Festivals:  Are you looking for some unique ideas for decorating your home for this festive season? 

Then you must explore paper quilling specially designed by the artists at Stoned Santa for your festive décor!

Whether you aspire to hang delicate snowflakes on Christmas Trees, add a traditional touch to the Diwali décor rangolis and diyas, or make your loved ones feel special with unique handcrafted greetings on the New Year, paper quilling artworks by Stoned Santa has everything to make your festivals special.

Credit: Pinterest

Paper Quilled Customised Gifts and Cards: You will agree that nothing makes a more special and meaningful gift than a handcrafted and personalised gift! 

If you are looking for such exclusive gifts, we at Stoned Santa have a stunning range of gift designs for you. We can design customised portraits, name boards or nameplates, abstract art, handmade quilling cards, anniversary gifts and more!

Paper Quilled Jewellery and Keychains:  Yes! You read it right! Paper quilling art can also be functional! 

Paper quilling earrings, necklaces and bracelets can be a stunning fashion statement. The creatively designed paper quilled keychains can further elevate your creative flair. 

And…do you know the best part? You can custom design the paper quilled jewellery to match your dresses’ colours, patterns, and motifs and elevate your fashionable look.

What! You are still waiting? Choose your favourite paper quilled artwork now!

Turn your Paper Quilling Pastime into a Side Hustle

Credit: Pinterest

What can be better than turning your beloved pastime into a rewarding job? If you enjoy working with art and have a unique skill of paper quilling, why not channelise your passion into profit making?  

Wait! Are you worried about how to attract customers and reach the target audience? You don’t need to be stressed about that anymore. 

At Stoned Santa, we collaborate with skilled artists and help them obtain orders from customers looking for exclusive handcrafted items. Today, we have a wide network of experienced and competent artists who are highly successful and very happy working with what they love. 

Do you also love paper quilling and aspire to create a side hustle? Feel free to engage with Stoned Santa and give wings to your dreams!

Paper Quilling Artists

Stoned Santa is a wonderful haven for artists eager to excel and spread joy among others through their art. Some of our most creative minds in paper quilled artwork are: 

Siddhartha Saha: Stoned Santa is privileged to work with Siddhartha Saha, a Tripura banker who transformed his paper quilling hobby into marvellous global fame! 

Yes, Siddhartha has been the awardee for the India Book of Records and the Guinness World Record for his marvellous paper quilling designs. 

He specialises in quilling 3D miniature artwork and can stun you with his skilful portal of intricate landscapes and scenery. 

Priyanka Sagar: Truly a ‘sagar’ of incredible creativity in a literal sense, Priyanka Sagar, from Gujrat, is a highly talented paper quilling artist. You name it, and she will design it for you such that you cannot help yourself admiring the marvellous skill she practised by her. 

She can create magic in any design however intricate logo design or portrait design you want!

Swapna Khade: Swapna, a highly experienced paper quilling artist from Pune, successfully transformed her passion into a profession through her brand, Mira’s Craft. 

She possesses the unique skill of designing intricate floral patterns and motifs and has had the privilege of working with renowned paper brands like Claire Fontaine and Canson. 

Sabeena Karnik: Based in Mumbai, Sabeena is a globally recognised graphic designer and illustrator, particularly known for her extraordinary paper quilling artworks. 

If you are looking to design calligraphy with paper quilling and create captions, quotes and even brand logos, you can blindly count on Sabeena. Her stunning skill could not even hold leading global brands like Adobe, Google, Porsche, Disney and Paramount becoming her clients. 

Are you seeking inspiration for designing paper quilling artworks, purchasing paper quilled crafts for décor or gifting, or aspiring to venture into paper quilling as a side hustle? The artists at Stoned Santa can meet your every need! 

Quilling the Last Coil!

Paper quilling is a beautiful artwork that unleashes your creative expression and imagination. 

Beautiful wall décor artwork for interior designers, stunning jewellery for fashion lovers, an exciting side hustle for entrepreneurs with a creative inclination, and even a memorable way to spread love and smiles through gifting…paper quilling has something to delight everyone! 

But whatever is your need…Stoned Santa is just a click away for you!