Who Is Dali, the Watercolour Painting Labrador from Hyderabad?
In the quiet lanes of Hyderabad’s Manikonda, an unlikely artist is embracing creativity. Meet Dali, a Labrador who isn’t just a pet, but a watercolor painter with a growing body of work and a story that’s hard to forget.
Dali’s journey didn’t begin on canvas, it began with survival.
At just 45 days old, she was found abandoned and tied up, left in distress. But her story took a turn when she was rescued and adopted by Snehangshu Debnath and Hoi Choudhury, a couple still grieving the loss of their previous dog, Pablo.
They named her Dali, perhaps unknowingly setting the stage for a creative life that would follow.
How Did a Rescued Labrador Become a Watercolour Artist?
Hoi, an artist herself, began noticing something unusual. Dali would wander into her studio, observing, exploring, almost as if she wanted to participate.
That curiosity led to an experiment. The family designed a pet-friendly brush that Dali could hold comfortably in her mouth. At just seven months old, she dipped it into watercolour paints and created her very first artwork.
How Is Dali Using Her Art for Animal Rescue?
Dali has created over 37 abstract watercolour paintings. Her process is playful, free-flowing, and entirely her own.
Her adopter describes it simply: she paints because she enjoys it.
Dali’s art isn’t just about creativity, it’s also about impact.
In 2024, 12 of her artworks were featured in a printed calendar, with proceeds going to MARG (Multiple Actions for Rescue and Growth), a Hyderabad-based animal rescue organisation. The initiative raised ₹35,000, with orders coming in from across the globe including the US, Canada, China, and Thailand.
What’s Next for Her Art Journey?
At home, Dali is just as lively as her paintings. She swims, travels, enjoys fruits, and spends her days playing with her younger sibling Miro, also a rescue. Together, they bring energy, chaos, and joy into the household.
While there may not be art competitions for dogs yet, Her family is now planning her first solo exhibition, where her works will be displayed just like any professional artist’s.