Magunta Dayakar, born Magunta Venkata Subba Reddy, is an Indian artist, writer, and filmmaker. Dayakar gained recognition as a popular fiction writer in his native language, Telugu, and has authored 35 novels. He also worked as an editor and publisher, briefly running a feature magazine. In addition to writing, he ventured into filmmaking, scripting, acting in, and directing two feature films. He has written 15 successful books on painting, many of which have received 4 and 5-star ratings on Amazon.
Artist Statement
Day by day, painting by painting, I feel my senses naturally moving away from traditional approaches. This doesn’t mean I reject them entirely; I see them as a foundation, like the alphabets of a language. They are the base upon which I build, but I choose not to follow them consciously. I aim to capture new experiences by setting aside the deliberate use of traditional art elements. In doing so, I feel free. I feel alive.
This feeling is more important to me than worrying about how my paintings will evolve. Whether they take one direction or another doesn’t matter much. What truly matters is that I remain alive while painting. I want to continue feeling this aliveness every day, every time I pick up my brush. Especially in my forest paintings, I avoid the usual methods of depicting forests. I don’t seek planned compositions or conventional beauty. Instead, I strive to capture the wild nature of the forest as it comes to my senses—full of life, mystery, roughness, and unpredictable beauty. I paint forests not as scenes, but as living experiences.
I don’t aim for visual appeal but for personal truth in my art. I’ve come to realize that I paint for my own awareness, not to satisfy or convince others about my work. Since the art market isn’t within my reach, I find it’s better to enjoy what I’m doing. In the end, every human being wants to feel joy. This is the path I choose to follow.
My Books on Art which are available on amazon.
How To Start A Painting And How To Plan It ?
How To Finish A Painting ?
Painting Landscapes From Imagination
Learn Composition and Create Beautiful Paintings
Simplified Color Schemes for Art Students
Capturing Movement in Portrait Painting
Who Fails As An Artist…? … One who loves his Paintings
Straight Talk On Painting and Painter’s Problems
Abstract Realistic Painting Approach: Why it is the right approach for artists?
My Paintings of Abstract Realism
How To Teach Sketching For Adults?
Character of the Creator: Do you have it in you?
On Value, Color and Composition
9 Keys to Successful Painting: For those who love to paint but don’t have the time to study the science behind painting
Some Tips, Techniques And Artistic Secrets To Paint Colorful Forest Scenes – A Short Guide for Art Students