Written by I’m Seema from Bangalore, India. During the day, I work as a technical writer. At other times, I am happiest dabbling in art. A self-taught artist, my favourite genre is watercolour. I love the nuances of the medium, its potential for capturing light and shadow, its freshness, and its demand for precision.
LEFT: A watercolour I had made of a traditional house in Gokarna. This sea-side town has beautiful temples and a lovely Ohm shaped beach. It is a place I’ll always remember with a lingering smile. RIGHT: The steps leading up to Edekkal Caves (Kerela,India). I used Ink pen for some of the detailing, and then added the watercolour wash over it. In this technique, the ink flows and mixes with the wash, creating a softer effect.
Since the crayon ridden days of childhood, art has been my peace and share of heaven. After school, I would paint instead of playing with other kids. When choosing a line of education, I never considered art as a viable career option. I went on to study Psychology, and drifted into a career in writing.
However, art remained an integral part of my life – be it making animal doodles on college notepads, creating cards for friends, learning Adobe Photoshop, crafting, making landscapes in oil or acrylic, sketching, making pixel art, or illustrations.
At my first job, one of my colleagues loved my paintings and bought some of them. That was my very first art sale! Since then, I have made several commissioned paintings, done wall murals, handled marketing creatives for local businesses, and various other projects.
I freelance under Lonely Canopy, reflecting my passion for traveling along lesser known roads and love of nature.
Inspiration
Old buildings, nature, and landscapes inspire me to paint. I love exploring the Western Ghats through my sketches – these journals allow me to engage with a place which almost makes me a part of it. Historical structures riddled with stories are another source of inspiration.
A Studio Of One’s Own
I love collecting stationery and art supplies. I use Camlin Artists Watercolours (pan for travel and tubes at home). I pick up journals, paper, brushes and pens wherever I travel. Also, I collect clothes tags, tea bags, paper napkins, etc. to use in my crafts.
Recently, I converted a balcony space at home into an art studio. Painting floral motifs on the walls was the most exciting bit. It’s my cave to retire into.
This year, I am busy working on illustrated travel stories and freelance projects. I’m also trying to learn people sketching. Hoping to end 2018 with an art and craft stall at one of the many artists markets in Bangalore.
LEFT: The ocean is an allegory for human passions, and I’ve tried to show passion through art here. RIGHT: A homestay in Coorg, India’s coffee land. I have tried to create a rain-washed effect.
Hope you have enjoyed the peek into my art process and sketchbook.
Seema Misra
Blog
Facebook
Instagram
Behance
YouTube
Doodlewash
Wonderful paintings and I love your travel journals! I am looking forward to seeing more. (I appear to be your first follower on Bloglovin’. I hope more join in)
Glad you liked the travel journal entries. Thanks for following 🙂 I also blog regularly at https://lonelycanopyblog.wordpress.com/
Thank you for sharing your process and something of your country. Two friends leave tomorrow for a holiday and can’t wait.
Thanks, Rod 🙂 Wishing your friends a happy journey.
Thank You! Beautiful art. I love the glimpses of your life!
Glad you liked it 🙂
Seema, I’ve definitely enjoyed learning more about you and your beautiful artwork!
Thanks, Sandra !! So happy you liked it 🙂
Your art is delightful, Seema, and I wish you well with your art stall in Bangalore soon to come.
Thanks, for the wishes 🙂 Its been so encouraging to talk with fellow artists
A wonderful commentary and beautiful art. Thank you for inspiring us.
So glad you liked the art and the words, Teri. Thanks 🙂
I enjoyed reading your story and seeing your lovely paintings Seema. I love stationery and art supplies too – a little too much, haha!
Thanks, Beverly. I can so relate with the “little too much bit” … whenever I hear of people going minimalist I know i can never do it (can’t bear to get rid of my art supplies!!)
Your landscape paintings are beautiful. I especially enjoyed the video showing your sketchbooks.
I enjoyed your story and paintings,thank you so much for sharing.
Thanks Pamela, for reading my stories and the encouragement 🙂
Your artwork and studio space is wonderful. Keep on journaling; it’s a delight to behold.
Thanks, Kaye 🙂 Its the best feeling when someone likes my journals.
Thank you for sharing your story! I love the piece you did from Google Maps, it has a great sense of depth.
Thanks, Jill. I enjoyed doing it.
Wonderful read. And lovely work.
Thanks Gareth, for reading the post 🙂
Thanks for your story and your art! I like them both 🙂
Thanks so much 🙂
Cool journal! Thanks for sharing
Thanks, Delores 🙂
Very pretty and interesting paintings! Thank you for sharing 🙂
So glad you went through it 🙂
Love the simplicity in your paintings. All are lovely!!
That’s so sweet 🙂 Thanks!