As the Managing Director of Mona Lisa Fine Art Products, I, Sachin Upadhye, am proud to share the remarkable story of our brand’s inception. It’s a tale of passion, innovation, and perseverance, rooted in the creative vision of my late father, Shrivallabh Upadhye.
A multifaceted individual with a background in engineering and art, my father was driven by curiosity and an inquisitive nature. Though not formally educated, he gained expertise through trial and error, designing machines that showcased his unique blend of art and engineering. This synergy ultimately led to the creation of the Mona Lisa artist canvas.
For my father, the primary motivation was never about making money; it was about crafting the finest quality canvas that would bring artists’ masterpieces to life.
“In the early 1990s, my father’s frequent gatherings with friends from the art and literature world at the studio (Chitra mandir) of renowned artist Late K.B. Kulkarni in Belgaum, Karnataka, played a pivotal role in shaping our brand’s journey. During these meetings, the conversation often revolved around the scarcity of high-quality art products in India.
Late K.B. Kulkarni, a respected figure in the art community, would often express his frustration about the subpar canvases available in the market. He would lament about the uneven textures, inadequate priming, and lack of durability that hindered artists’ creative expression. My father, being an artist himself, empathized with Kulkarni’s concerns and began to contemplate a solution.
K.B. Kulkarni, recognizing my father’s engineering background and artistic inclination, insisted that he explore manufacturing painting canvases. ‘Why rely on inferior imports or local products that compromise on quality?’ Kulkarni would ask. ‘You have the expertise to create something better.’ My father, initially hesitant, was eventually persuaded by Kulkarni’s persistence and the collective enthusiasm of their art community friends.
This encouragement sparked a sense of purpose within my father. He began to envision a canvas that would meet the high standards of artists like K.B. Kulkarni. The challenge was accepted, and my father’s journey to create the perfect canvas began.”
“Undeterred by his initial hesitation, my father created trial pieces, eager to test his canvas-making skills. However, his early efforts were met with constructive criticism and rejection by Late K.B. Kulkarni, his dear friend and artist Late J. N. Gudigar and few others who were regular at the studio. This setback, though discouraging, had an unexpected effect: it galvanized my father’s determination to create a canvas that would meet the high standards of artists everywhere, earning their universal acceptance and acclaim.”
“Thus began an odyssey of research and innovation, spanning two years, as my father delved into the intricacies of traditional canvas-making. He experimented with an array of materials, from gelatin glue to white adhesive, paints, and linseed oils, leaving no stone unturned in his pursuit of perfection. Through a process of meticulous trial and error, he refined his craft, fueled by an unrelenting passion for excellence. The culmination of his tireless efforts came in 1993-94, with the birth of the Mona Lisa artist canvas.
With the support of his friends Late K. B. Kulkarni, B. K. Hubli, J. N. Gudigar, John Fernandes and the art community, our brand began its journey, inspired by the pursuit of excellence and a passion for art.
What lied ahead was far more challenging and also discouraging at times. Mona Lisa canvas was yet to be accepted in the art market. With high hopes my father carried an entire months stock in his Van, drove alone to Mumbai to a prominent store. The owner not impressed with the product, refused to purchase any of it. Dejected by this, he went across the street to a well known Fine art Institute, waited at the gate for the students to arrive, and generously gave it all away for them to use. Though this initial setback was difficult to overcome, my father returned to Belgaum more determined than ever. He poured his heart and soul into refining the quality of his canvases. Months later, he once again set off for Mumbai, van loaded with his improved products, to the same store. This time the store owner acknowledging the improvements, purchased the entire stock he had carried. These little milestones did wonders to his confidence. Later he gave the canvas samples to many prominent artists of India and shared their positive testimonials with art stores to convince them of the quality. Gradually the art community started recognizing and respecting the brand that came out from a small town like Belgaum.
I joined my father in 1997, barely 19, sharing his passion for art and entrepreneurship. Together, we navigated the initial challenges, and my understanding of painting and canvas helped refine the product.
“As an artist and entrepreneur, I’ve had the privilege of walking hand in hand with my father’s vision, sharing his passion for creating exceptional art products. I firmly believed that if I didn’t love our canvas, no one else would. My own love for oil painting and the need for a superior canvas fueled my relentless pursuit of perfection.
Together, my father and I strived to push boundaries, driven by an unwavering commitment to excellence. Today, as I carry forward his legacy, I’m reminded of the profound impact of innovation, perseverance, and community. The Mona Lisa artist canvas stands as a testament to the transformative power of creativity and collaboration – a legacy that continues to inspire artists and bring their visions to life.”
– Sachin Shrivallabh Upadhye
