About

“It is never too late to follow your dream” is a motto I live by. For years, I felt a void when I wasn’t painting, and the urge to create never left me. This calling eventually led me to leave an 18-year career in IT to fully embrace my passion for art.

With a Fine Art degree as my foundation, it didn’t take long to find the creative headspace I needed to produce art that truly resonated with me. Working with watercolors, I embrace the medium’s unpredictability and spontaneity, allowing me to capture the fleeting moments, energy, and movement of the natural world. My mastery of watercolors brings a sense of life and vibrancy to my artwork.

It has been a journey of small steps, taken while balancing a busy household with two children, a very dedicated Orthodontist husband, and our lively cocker spaniel. Despite the challenges, my love for creating has remained constant.

“Art to Heart” became my guiding principle, leading me to open my own gallery space in the heart of Marlow, Buckinghamshire. This gallery will house a collection of my original artworks, which are so close to my heart, as well as fine art prints that will be available to share with a wider audience.

My hope is to continue growing in this creative journey while inspiring others to follow their own dreams, no matter where they may lead.

Shalini lives her family home in the beautiful town of Gerrards Cross nestled in the heart of the Chiltern Hills which is one of the areas of outstanding beauty!

Specializing mostly in watercolours, Shalini’s art captures the intricate details and delicate beauty of the natural world. The rich floral displays and nature inspired scenes where she lives serve as her daily muse. Inspiration comes from the colors, textures, and emotions that the environment evokes and these elements reflect strongly in her artwork.

The wonder of nature through young eyes

My mother has been a loving guide, mentor and many things more from childhood. This picture takes me back to the nostalgia of her sharing her love of nature with me in the most organic way. Carefree sunny days spent outdoors, climbing trees and playing in the woods with my cousins in my grandmother’s village has had a profound and nourishing relationship with myself and nature.

"There are always flowers for those who want to see them"

Learning never ceases and this quote by Henri Matisse is very relatable to my journey. I hope to continue getting inspired and also to inspire others in this field. Loving the simple and by creating art that evokes a sense of joy and emotion sums up my mission intent for now!

My tryst with nature even as a child....

My love for nature and the outdoors has been intrinsic to me since childhood. I grew up in the green, leafy surroundings of old Bangalore. Those early years spent in such a vibrant natural environment are very close to my heart and have shaped my deep respect and appreciation for nature in all its glory.

From then to now....

As I have grown, so has my relationship with nature. I seem to cherish the most simplest of things and this seems to translate to my paintings as well. Sometimes, a simple Acer foliage with seed heads ready to burst, like this one, gives me enough inspiration to create a piece of work. The light, the shade and the shadows, all stir something deep inside me to create a kaleidoscope of imagery which I then translate onto paper.

This abstract seascape is left to the viewer’s interpretation. As I take inspiration with every little nuance of nature, the change of seasons and the play of light and shadow. No detail is left un noticed yet the interpretation is abstract which makes the viewer paint their very own storyline….

The summer garden is nothing short of a delight to the senses. The vibrant eclectic blooms always drive the blues away. It is an opportunity to learn and change the colour palette once again. From neon oranges and vermilions to subtle blues and violets. It is such a joy to be outdoors and take it all in!

An Ode to My Tradition

Rooted in the rich traditions of my Indian heritage, my artwork also reflects the vibrant colours, intricate patterns, and deep symbolism found in Hinduism.

This connection to my cultural background is a source of profound inspiration, infusing my botanical watercolours with a unique blend of Eastern and Western artistic influences.

Through my work, I pay homage to the beauty of my Indian roots, translating the essence of this ancient tradition into contemporary expressions of nature’s grace.

As the seasons change, so too does my mood, infusing my creativity with new dimensions. In Hinduism, the month of “Sharvana,” which roughly corresponds to August in the UK, is a time filled with vibrant festivals. Among these celebrations is the joyous occasion of Lord Krishna’s birth. I created this painting during one of these sacred months, as a tribute to my connection with my faith and to express my spiritual journey through art.

Colour studies

Colour studies always enriches my learning and gives a solid foundation while working on a bigger piece. Here is an example of a thumbnail study of a winter’s view from my back garden to understand a grey and neutral colour palette.

Solitude

A damp, bleak winter’s scene is quite uninspiring during the long winters, yet, it can be an opportunity to create and play with the neutral shades. While studying this reference, the emphasis was to create a focal colour to draw and entice the viewer rather than working on the details of the scene.

Introspection

Vivid bright days create an atmosphere of summer instantly. It brings forth a myriad of things to do, but for me, it also says “slow down and take in the warmth of the months beyond”. These emotions tumble on to my paintings somehow. I find these nuggets of study and solitude invaluable to my creativity.

Expression

Colour harmony play’s an important role in any painting and there is no better teacher than nature at your doorstep! A fleeting feeling of the long sunny days is not just a moment to cherish. For me, it is a moment to capture with paint on paper.