Artist Ajay Kumar makes a portrait of a woman at Life and Style Consumer Trade Fair in Patna. Residents flocked to the fair on the grounds of Sinha Library not only to binge on the products up for sale but also to get their portraits made. Ajay’s portrait-making service on offer at the fair is a big hit among the visitors. The charm of this old-fashioned art has attracted many citizens even in this hi-tech age of digital photography. What’s better, the service is not too strenuous on your pocket or your watch. Spend 10 minutes for the artist and you could get a sketch of yourself for only Rs 50. A second-year bachelor of fine arts student, Ajay told The Telegraph: “I am not from a rich family. The materials needed for painting — oil colours, brushes, canvas board and others — are usually very expensive. So, I started to make portraits for people at different fairs. Not only does it help me earn a little extra, it also allows me to polish my skills,” said the 32-year-old. Text by Shuchismita Chakraborty, picture by Ranjeet Kumar Dey