Written by My name is Avantika Shrivastav and I’m from New Delhi, India. I have been in love with art since I was a child, back then I used to draw on the walls of my house with crayons. I started painting with watercolours four years ago. I bought a cheap watercolour set and paper, picked up an old brush I found in my house and painted some flowers. From that day onwards, I kept practicing a lot and could see myself improve. I have also done some black ink illustrations.
I have a degree in Microbiology. When it comes to art, I am self-taught. I have no formal art education. I am a freelance artist. I have sold some of my paintings via Instagram and have done some commissioned work also.
My current favourite supplies are Daniel Smith watercolours, Princeton and Escoda pointed round brushes and Arches and Strathmore watercolour paper. Watercolour paper is of three kinds, each with different texture. I use hot pressed paper for realistic paintings which involve fine detailing and cold pressed for loose florals, galaxies, etc. For beginners I would recommend Kuretake Gansai watercolours and Canson watercolour paper. I practiced a lot with these.
My biggest inspiration is nature. The colours and patterns in nature are beautiful. I love painting flowers, animals and birds. When painting flowers, I first study the flower or its photo and observe all the patterns and colours in it, then draw it out. If I don’t have the colours required, I mix them and test them out. Then I paint the first layers, let them dry and then paint the subsequent layers as required. I always go from light to dark while painting with watercolours.
I use a lot of different techniques, which I mastered after a lot of self-learning and practicing. The most important technique to practice in watercolours is wet on wet. The more you practice it, the better is your control over the brush and paint flow. I love painting realistic flowers the most, they require a lot of time and patience, but it is worth it when I look at my final painting and feel proud of myself. I paint loose florals also, I find it therapeutic and relaxing.
I also take inspiration from space. I love painting galaxies, moons and crystals. Painting galaxies and abstract art helps me calm myself. I did some zodiac paintings in which I combined animals and space.
My aim is to capture the beauty of nature and the magic of space. To make paintings which give joy to the one who looks at them, a reason for them to smile. I can create the world I want in my paintings and I want people to enjoy looking at my paintings, as much as I enjoy painting them. I want to inspire people to paint and whenever someone tells me that my art inspired them to paint, I become very happy. One day soon, I hope to make a living out of my art completely.
Pick up a brush, take out your paints and paper and start painting, everyone starts somewhere, enjoy the process and keep practicing!
Avantika Shrivastav
Instagram
Beautiful work, Avantika! I love the bright, bold colors.
Thank you so much, Mary! Happy to hear that!
Love your galaxies! 💕💕💕
Thank you so much, I am glad that you love them! 😀
Beautiful colors
Beautiful paintings. You are definitely an inspiration. Thank you for sharing.
Thank you so much, June! Your kind words made me very happy. 😀
It’s been a pleasure reading your post! And your artwork is beautiful. I picked up watercolors about a year ago after a very long hiatus! You are right it takes regular practice to improve.
Thank you so much! I am glad you liked my post and work! 😀 So happy to hear that you picked up watercolors again! Keep practicing, happy painting!
Hallo Avantika your work is really very nice.
I think self thuoght person also can rase their hands as.yes icant do it. i inspired by your art. Thanks so much for sharing.
Me from India.
Thank you so much, Snehlata! I am happy to know that I inspired you. Pick up a brush and paint whatever you like, practice is key. 🙂
Many thanks for sharing. I love your bright colours
Thank you so much! I am glad you love them 😀
I love the saturated colors in your work. Thanks for sharing it.
Thank you so much, means a lot! 🙂
Your work is beautiful, Avantika! Thank you for sharing your art and techniques!
Thank you so much, Sandra! I am glad you liked it 😀
Amazing gem stone looks real
Thank you so much! 🙂
It was such a lovely write up about your painting .The peacock was beautiful as well .
I am so happy to hear that! Thank you so much! 😀