Custom Portrait Paintings That Capture Emotional Energy
I don't paint photo-perfect copies. I paint the energy, the history, and the truth of the people in front of me.
A closer look at the family in the "Beach Panorama" painting. My goal was to capture the easy, happy connection between them as they walk along the shore.
This video shows the creation of the "Beach Panorama" from start to finish. It begins with the sky and sea and slowly brings the details of the landscape and the family to life.
A digital watercolor portrait of a woman, created on my iPad. I love the way digital tools allow for rich textures and detail, and this piece is available for paid download.
This video shows the digital painting process for a portrait of my friend Baby from the sisterhood at Haanh Hum. It starts with a basic sketch and builds up layers of color and shadow to capture her spirit.
"Man with Flowers," a digital painting inspired by vintage Indian portraits. I wanted to convey a sense of quiet dignity and contemplation in this piece. Digital prints are available for purchase.
"Raising a revolutionary child, is also a protest." This full view of the acrylic painting shows a mother and child reading together, framed by a powerful red triangle. It speaks to the political act of education and raising aware children in today's world.
A detail shot of the mother in my painting about raising a politically aware child. Her upward gaze suggests hope and a vision for the future she is building.
A close up on the child in the painting. Her direct gaze and the book in her hands signify the power of knowledge and the importance of nurturing a critical mind from a young age.
"Me-Time," an acrylic painting on cardboard celebrating a quiet moment of solitude. This piece, showing a woman enjoying a cup of tea, was a joy to create and quickly found a home.
A video showing the process of painting "Me-Time." You can see how the monochrome figure emerges from the textured cardboard and muted background.
About Portraits: Capturing Memories and Energy
When you commission a portrait, we start by talking about the person, not the photo. I need to understand the personality and the energy you want to capture, whether it is a quiet moment or a fierce memory. I do not aim for photo-perfect replication. We work through these details together before I ever touch a brush to canvas.
Painting is how I make sense of the world, and a portrait is my way of preserving a connection. If you want a standard, hyper-realistic copy of a photograph, I am not the right artist for you. My work focuses on the emotional essence. I want the viewer to feel the subject’s spirit, not just see their features.
How We Work
Every piece begins with a conversation. I ask you to share the stories behind the photos you provide. If you have an old, blurry image, that is often enough, because what I am capturing is not just physical likeness, but the energy of the person.
Mediums and Materials
- Acrylics and Oils: These are my primary tools for canvas commissions. I use professional-grade materials like Liquitex and Winsor & Newton to ensure the work lasts for generations.
- Digital Portraits: I also work on an iPad for those who want high-resolution files. I use watercolor brushes and layering techniques that mimic traditional textures. You get the file to print wherever you like, up to 18x24 inches.
- Upcycled Originals: Sometimes I paint on non-traditional surfaces like repurposed cardboard, jute, or reclaimed wood. These pieces are one-of-a-kind and carry a rustic, tangible history.
Shipping and Logistics
I ship physical canvases rolled in sturdy tubes to prevent creasing. The work arrives unstretched, ready for you to take to a local framer. My process is slow and intentional, so please account for the time it takes to really dig into your story and translate it into paint.
Girija
I am Girija, a middle-aged artist driven by the need to capture truth on canvas. I do not just paint faces. I paint the stories, the messiness, and the beauty that makes us human. If you are looking for an honest, emotion-first representation of your family or yourself, we should talk.
Explore more of my artistic practice
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