Shail Choyal, born on November 9, 1945, in Kota, Rajasthan, studied at Udaipur University before obtaining a diploma in art from the Jaipur School of Art, laying the groundwork for his remarkable and influential career in visual arts.

A celebrated painter, printmaker, and teacher, Shail Choyal is renowned for developing a unique contemporary miniature style. His art draws inspiration from traditional Rajasthani painting, particularly in its aesthetic motifs and tiered spatial compositions, which he reimagines through a modern lens. His narrative-driven works often blend allegory with realism, evoking a nostalgic yet surreal atmosphere through the use of vibrant colours and imaginative settings. Over the years, Shail Choyal has been honoured with numerous accolades recognizing his significant contributions to Indian art. Among these are the Gold Medal awarded during his Master’s program in 1969, followed by accolades from the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi for printmaking (1969) and painting (1972).He also received the Bombay Art Society Award for painting in 1971 and was honoured with the prestigious National Award from the Lalit Kala Akademi, New Delhi, in 1982, recognizing his exceptional contribution to Indian art.

Most recently, in 2023, he was conferred with the esteemed “Kalavid” Award by the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi. In addition to his artistic practice, Shail has been a dedicated educator, having taught in the Department of Painting at Mohanlal Sukhadia University, Udaipur. He served as Vice Chairman of the Rajasthan Lalit Kala Akademi, where he significantly contributed to the promotion and preservation of the region’s visual arts. Through his leadership, he nurtured artistic development while safeguarding Rajasthan’s rich cultural heritage.