Behind the Scenes: My Artistic Process
Ever wonder how a blank canvas transforms into art? Here is a peek into my studio and the journey of bringing a custom piece to life.
Watch me create the gold leaf portrait from start to finish. This time-lapse shows the entire process, from the initial sketch on a blank canvas to the final application of the shimmering gold leaf.
Me in my element, working on a very large-scale sketch directly on the canvas. For big pieces, I often work on the floor or against a large wall in my studio.
Working on a large gridded piece, carefully masking out the lines with tape. It's a meticulous process, but the clean, geometric result is always worth it.
In the zone, painting an abstract mountain landscape. I use a palette knife here to apply thick layers of paint and create a rugged, textured surface.
Applying the base coat to a large, custom-shaped sculptural piece. The preparation of the surface is just as important as the final details.
Working on a custom commission of a panda in a suit. I often use a tablet for reference images to make sure I get the details just right for my clients.
Adding the final touches to a large, textured piece in shades of orange and pink. This is where I add the fine details that bring the whole artwork together.
A glimpse of all the pieces for a large commission for a Hyderabad residence, all together in my studio. It's so satisfying to see a whole collection come together before it ships out.
About Behind the Scenes: My Creative Process
People often ask about the base layer. Before any color touches the canvas, I spend time priming and often building the structural relief with modeling paste or fabric. This prep work determines how the paint sits later. Whether it is a tiny 10-inch piece or an 8-foot mural, this foundation ensures your art stays vibrant and durable on your wall for years.
My process is essentially a mix of planning and spontaneous energy. Every project begins with a conversation about what you need—the mood, the colors, and the space where the art will live. Once I have the vision, I move to the studio to prepare the canvas.
The Anatomy of a Piece
For my signature textured work, I do not just paint on a flat surface. I build the canvas up using modeling paste and various techniques to create ridges, waves, and depth that you can physically feel. After the structural work dries, I layer the acrylics. If you opt for gold leaf accents, that is the final, delicate step where I apply metallic sheets by hand to catch the light.
Why It Takes Time
Large-scale commissions, especially those involving heavy textures, require patience. The materials need to cure properly to ensure the work does not crack or flake over time. When I stretch the canvas over the wooden frames and apply those layers of varnish, I am not just painting. I am crafting a structure that is meant to last.
From Studio to Your Home
I treat every commission with the same care, whether it is a small portrait or a massive commercial installation for a cafe or office. My studio is my happy place, but the goal is always for the art to find its perfect home with you. By the time I wrap your piece for shipping, I have checked every corner, from the hardware on the back to the final gloss finish, so it arrives ready to hang.
Nida Abbasi
I am Nida. I love the mess as much as the masterpiece, and this is where the magic happens in my studio. If you have ever wondered how a blank canvas becomes a story on your wall, this is my happy place.
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