For 52-year-old Ruchi Pawan Madaan, painting has been an integral part of life since childhood. At eight years old, while studying in Class 3, her interest in art first emerged. Encouraged to pursue her talent, she continued learning and later earned a degree in Fine Arts.
Teaching the next generation
Today, Madaan teaches art to children in Jalandhar, transforming her childhood passion into a full-time profession. She prefers offline classes, believing that art is best learned through hands-on practice and personal guidance. Her students explore a wide range of mediums, including watercolour, acrylic painting, texture art, resin art, glass painting, wood painting, and painting on bottles, pots, and candles.
“I don’t like restricting myself or my students to one style. The more they experiment, the more they learn,” she says. Exposing children to different art forms helps them become more confident and creative, she adds.
Student achievements and parental feedback
Over the years, many of Madaan's students have won prizes in art competitions. Others have developed painting as a hobby, creating artworks for their homes or making handmade gifts for family and friends. Madaan says these accomplishments are equally satisfying because they reflect a child's growing interest in art.
The appreciation she values most comes from parents, who often tell her that art has helped their children become more patient, focused, and confident. “When children begin believing in their own creativity, that is the biggest achievement for any teacher,” she says.
Beyond a hobby: career opportunities in art
Madaan also encourages students to view art as more than a pastime. She believes the field offers numerous career opportunities in fine arts, illustration, graphic design, animation, fashion design, interior design, and art education.
Teacher's ultimate goal
Having spent most of her life with a paintbrush in hand, Madaan says her aim is simple: to help every child enjoy the creative process and discover their own style. “A teacher’s success lies in seeing students grow into artists with confidence,” she concludes.
