To enter to win Nikita's painting, "Marina in Reddington Shores" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing her interview.
From Nikita's DPW Gallery page:
My name is Nikita Sonavadekar and I love to paint. I am also a mother of two living with my loving husband in sunny Florida, USA. My goal is to be able to paint everyday, right now I paint as often as I can.
Tell us a bit about how you first started painting.
Love of art has always been there since childhood. At the age of 12, I took up a class for oil painting from a lady conducting a group class. All we did the first day was paint mountains and stop for a whole week. I didn't understand why I had to stop for it to dry, all I wanted to do was just keep painting. Needless to say, I never went back. As a teenager, I stuck with watercolor as a painting medium. In 2008, I started my journey of oils. I was couple of years shy from turning 40 and realized that I had never given up my yearning to learn oil painting. I was ready to embark on this journey.
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| Marina in Reddington Shores (click to see original image) Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the home page announcing Nikita's interview. |
Did you have any stops and starts in your painting career?
I went to school for applied arts. So painting was just a hobby, until last year. When I was on vacation with my family and was painting as usual at the hotel pool side, two different individuals said they were interested in buying my work. That was my start. Earlier this year, I started my blog and began sharing my art with the world. I feel blessed to be part of this (almost) daily painting movement.
What mediums and genres have you experimented with?
Mediums other than oil have been watercolor, ink and pen, and poster color. I feel at home with contemporary impressionist style, so with the oil medium, which I love, I am constantly experimenting with color harmony, value and my brushwork, and subject matter.
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| GMC Truck (click to see original image) |
Which ones have "stuck" and which ones have fallen away?
OMG! Hands down oil, I do not know why I waited this long, but as I say there is always a good reason for it. Painting process is always meditative; mixing your oil paint and letting you brush strokes translate your ideas and the vision is very exhilarating. Also sketching more to improve. Other mediums will have to wait.
Which ones are you looking forward to exploring?
Maybe pastels and clay for pottery.
Who or what inspires you most?
All past and present impressionist artists always inspire me. Inspiration comes from so many sources. I would love to do more plein-air painting, because that is the closest you can get with nature. Light, color and challenging subject matter can be inspirational.
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| Boat Buddies (click to see original image) |
What does procrastination look like for you?
Not something I would like to really think about. Always working on getting my priorities straight. So many roles one plays in life. Raising a family is my first priority, so juggling life plays a role. I aim to be positive while seeing what needs to be achieved in 24 hours. If things fall through cracks so be it. Is that procrastination? I like to look at my how much my glass is full and being happy with it.
What techniques work to ensure that you make time for your art?
Juggling my priorities. Just like eating and sleeping, there is also time for painting now. Having a supportive family plus planning ahead (in my mind) always helps.
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| Let's Celebrate!! (click to see original image) |
How do you generally arrive at ideas for your paintings?
Time is always a factor in deciding what I can paint. Live props and plein-air require more planning and usually daylight; even though painting from photographs is not my first choice, most of the time I find myself working from them. While traveling I am always encouraging my husband also to take pictures as they become my reference material. Friends have contributed to my photo collection. Limited time means browsing through it and connecting with one any given day.
How do you keep art "fresh?" What techniques have helped you avoid burnout and keep your work vibrant and engaging?
Being positive about my art and being focused on my journey. The painting process is also like getting in a meditation stage, because you focus on what you want to say and achieve and because of the amount of concentration it takes. Meditation brings a certain calmness in your active mind. Any positive comment, feedback, and sale of a painting always helps. I respect the burnout feeling, because I know there is a shift happening within. I strive to paint often.
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| Soaking Up the Sun (click to see original image) |
What do you feel you are learning about right now as an artist?
Persistence.
What makes you happiest about your art?
The process of painting and my finished work of art.
Thanks, Nikita!
© 2013 Sophie Marine
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