W.I.F. Tell us briefly how you became an artist. Did you always want to paint?

Sahil: I think becoming an artist was a very thin, almost imperceptible line for me. There was always this universal calling—an urge to create something personal and sensitive—but I never knew I would become an artist.

Things just happened in a way that led me here. But from the beginning, I always wanted to do something creative, something that allowed me to explore certain ideas. I didn’t know exactly what that would be. 

W.I.F. Being an artist is not an easy life, how do you keep true to your art?

Sahil: I think the greatest challenge in my field is maintaining authenticity and consistency. There are times when we face difficulties, when we don’t feel like working, and it becomes hard to keep going. That, to me, is the biggest challenge.

Of course, there are other challenges as well—professional and financial difficulties—but those can be overcome.

The real struggle is staying true to what you create and continuing to do the work. One of my biggest fears is stopping, losing that creative momentum.

What’s it like studying in Barcelona?  We wonder if art schools there are  like American art schools. 

Sahil: I haven’t attended any schools in the U.S. or elsewhere, so I can’t compare them directly. But from my experience, art schools in Barcelona offer a mix of classical and modernist approaches.

It’s not strictly classical—there’s an influence from painters like Sargent, Sorolla, and Zorn, alongside more traditional artists like Bouguereau. The training isn’t purely academic in the classical sense; instead, it blends elements of realism and impressionism with a more contemporary approach.

W.I.F. The internet has such a strong influence on our world. How has the internet influenced your work?

Sahil: The internet has a huge influence on my work.

It allows me to connect with artists from around the world and see the incredible work being created today, as well as learn from artists of the past. Before the internet, it was much harder to access this kind of inspiration and understand the level of work happening globally. Seeing others push boundaries in their art motivates me to work harder and keep improving.

Beyond inspiration, the internet also provides valuable networking opportunities. It helps me build connections, find opportunities, and grow as an artist. At this point, I think we can’t really avoid it—it’s an essential tool. Rather than resisting it, I believe in using it to my advantage, and that’s exactly what I plan to continue doing in the future. It has had a very positive impact on my work, opening up many opportunities that wouldn’t have been possible otherwise.

W.I.F. We noticed that most of your work seems to be from direct observation. Do a lot of artists in Barcelona paint from life?

Sahil:  Yes, there are many artists in Barcelona who paint and draw from life. Some of my classmates are still in Barcelona, continuing to paint from life, and their work is truly amazing. There are also other artists in the city who follow the same approach.

However, many people who come to study in Barcelona eventually move elsewhere after finishing their studies. So while I don’t personally know every artist in the city, I do know those I’ve studied with or met along the way.

Sahil painting in Provence with Workshops in France

Sahil’s Past Inspirations and Future Plans

W.I.F. Which artists, living or from the past, impacted you the most?

Sahil: There isn’t one specific artist; there are many who have influenced me in different ways. However, if I had to choose, I would say Joaquín Sorolla from Spain has had a significant impact on my work. His authenticity in capturing light and atmosphere is something I truly admire. Along with Sorolla, John Singer Sargent has also influenced me, especially in terms of technique. His mastery of brushwork and ability to capture character are things I strive to learn from.

Another artist who has inspired me is Augustus Osborne Lamplough, a British watercolorist known for his work in North Africa. His use of light and color in desert scenes and Arab towns resonates with me deeply.

I really like the work of Gustav Klimt, especially his designs and patterns. The abstract patterns he combines with portraiture are fascinating to me. His technique is truly amazing, and he has incredible skill. What I also love about his work is the way he creates these abstract designs and patterns, which add so much depth and character to his paintings.

While Joaquín Sorolla stands out as a primary influence.

W.I.F. Where do you see yourself in 5 years?

Sahil: The question of where I see myself as an artist in the next five years is something I often ask myself as well. With the changing trends and the opportunities available through the internet and social media, I have a few goals in mind.

Professionally, I would love to have my own gallery—that’s a dream every artist has. I also want to have a strong social media presence, which I think is essential today, and I’d love to teach. Teaching is something I’m passionate about, and I want to incorporate that into my future.

Artistically, my plan is to travel and paint. When I was in India, I traveled a lot, but I didn’t paint much during that time. Now, I’d like to travel while painting. India is at the top of my list, but I also want to visit Nepal, China, Japan, Egypt, Africa, Europe, and America to capture the landscapes and experiences of these diverse places.

So, my artistic and professional plans go hand in hand: traveling and painting while also growing my online presence and sharing my work with a wider audience.