Thu Jun 12 13:24:29 UTC 2025: Here’s a news article summarizing the provided text:
**Belagavi Painter Vikas Patnekar Featured in Prestigious French Art Book**
**Belagavi, India – June 12, 2025** – Vikas Patnekar, a 60-year-old watercolor artist from Belagavi, has been recognized internationally with a feature in “Regards Croises,” a newly published French book by Petra Wauters. The book profiles ten globally renowned artists, showcasing Patnekar’s life and a selection of his nature-inspired watercolor paintings.
A former student of Kala Maharshi K.B. Kulkarni, Patnekar has been painting since the age of five, developing a style known for capturing the beauty of water bodies. He has received international acclaim throughout his career, including the Los Hombres Más Destacados Del Ano award in 2019.
Patnekar’s work has been exhibited extensively in the U.S., Europe, and Asia. He has also undertaken commissioned pieces for notable figures like filmmaker Richard Attenborough, as well as various banks and institutions. In addition to his artistic endeavors, Patnekar mentors aspiring young artists. The artist currently divides his time between Belagavi and Mumbai. “Regards Croises” is expected to be translated and published in multiple languages soon, further amplifying Patnekar’s global recognition.
First Piper 