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Artist Spotlight: Manasi Bhatkande and Realistic Florals
Meet Manasi - a realistic botanical watercolor artist and Princeton Ambassador. She found her true passion in art after dropping out of architecture school. Nestled at the serene foothills of the Himalayas, she lives a slow and mindful life with her boyfriend - Siddharth, finding inspiration in every aspect of nature that surrounds her. Learn more about Manasi and her art journey below.
1. What was your journey like to become an artist? What inspired you to start?
I have been painting since childhood. I think it started with doodling on walls. Gradually, I got introduced to watercolours and then to painting flowers about 12 years ago when I was in high school. I didn’t even know that it was termed botanical illustrations back then. I never went to an art school. I started painting flowers and leaves that grew on our terrace. Over time, I realised how calming the entire process was. I think it is the utmost peace my mind is at just by watching the colours flow on my paper that inspires and drives me to paint every day.
2. What does your art process look like?
I am probably slower than a snail when it comes to making an artwork. I prefer painting flowers that I have seen in real life or at least know about. It actually takes me more time to sketch than to paint because I like to define every single detail at the sketch level itself. But once I start painting, I am very particular about colour blending and making sure that every edge is well taken care of. I think painting in natural daylight contributes to making my paintings look softer.
3. What are your creative inspirations?
I have tried different styles of painting with different mediums earlier. But I somehow resonated with painting flowers and have been hooked on them ever since. My mind just stops working when I read about the plant world. The intelligence they possess is insane. Being able to portray them on paper is an honour honestly.
4. Why did you choose to paint realistic florals?
I think it just happened by itself over time. Every painting I choose is a challenge I like to give myself. It feels so nice when someone can identify the species just by looking at my painting. It is like a personal win.
5. What is your favourite watercolour technique for making florals so detailed and why?
One technique that I use the most is blending. I don’t like it when there are sharp lines or patches seen in my paintings. The subjects I work with are naturally delicate, so blending really helps in keeping their soft and tender qualities alive.
6. What is your favourite piece of watercolour advice?
One must not compare oneself with others. It is necessary to be content and patient. Creating art should not be a race. Watercolors can be intimidating and it surely takes time to learn how to work with them. But once you get the hang of it there is no looking back. And do not forget to pat yourself on the back from time to time.
7. What is your favourite flower to Paint?
That would be difficult to answer. But I do love painting Indian indigenous flowers that have not been documented well. Also, I have recently found a new interest in painting dried twigs and stems.
8. What are your Princeton brushes of choice?
I love picking up brushes with a fine tip that are soft enough to hold just the right amount of water. And Princeton has just nailed the game with their synthetic hair brushes. My personal favourites are the ones from their Heritage, Aqua Elite and Velvetouch Series.
Learn how to paint a realistic periwinkle!
Thanks for sharing your process with us, Manasi! If you paint along with her periwinkle tutorial, tag us on Facebook and Instagram @princetonbrush so we can see your work. You can find more of Manasi’s work on Instagram at @sayonisi and at her website here.