Behind the Scenes: My Artistic Process
Welcome to my studio. This is where messy thoughts and rough sketches turn into paintings that actually feel real. Grab a coffee, let me show you how it happens.
Here's a time-lapse of me working on my 'Below the Surface' oil painting. You can see how I build up the layers of water, light, and skin tone to create the final peaceful image.
The finished 'Below the Surface' painting hanging on my wall. Seeing a piece in its final context is always so rewarding.
A crisp, clear shot of the finished underwater oil painting. This 8x8 inch canvas is now for sale and I'm excited for it to find a new home.
A typical Sunday for me, sitting on the floor and getting lost in a large oil painting. This is me working on the 'Hypebeast Socrates' piece in my home studio.
My studio assistant and harshest critic, my cat, came to inspect my progress on the Socrates painting. He seems to approve.
Another angle of me working on the large Socrates canvas. You can see my palette and brushes ready to go as I fill in the details.
A happy moment in the studio. Painting is truly what keeps me sane and brings me so much joy, especially when a large, complex piece starts coming together.
About this collection
Every piece you see on this page starts as a bit of a disaster—my studio floor is usually covered in paint tubes, charcoal dust, and whatever my cat decided to inspect that day. I mostly work in oils, which means patience is part of the package because waiting for layers to dry is non-negotiable. Whether I am sketching a rough outline on a 5ft canvas or fine-tuning a small pet portrait, I make sure to share work-in-progress shots so you are part of the journey, not just seeing the result.
I believe that the mess is just as important as the magic. My process changes depending on the project, but the focus remains on capturing a story. For large-scale statement pieces, like the Hypebeast Socrates commission, I often use a projector to map out the composition before I touch a brush, ensuring the perspective is spot on.
When it comes to my preferred medium, I lean into high-quality oils for that rich, buildable depth. I typically use paints like Mont Marte and finish every canvas with a professional grade varnish like Gamvar to ensure your piece is protected from dust and UV light. If you are ordering a large canvas, keep in mind that I usually ship these rolled in a tube for safety, and you will need to get it re-stretched locally in your city.
I am currently based in Mumbai but I ship across India. If you have a vague idea or a specific memory you want to immortalize, we will chat about it until it feels right. I provide 1-2 progress updates for classic portraits, so we are always on the same page regarding likeness and tone. If you are looking for something tangible, something with a bit of heart and a lot of paint, let's talk.
Sanaya Irani
Hi, I am Sanaya. I am an artist who believes the process is just as important as the final product. I do not hide the struggle—the rough sketches, the color-mixing chaos, and the hours of layering are all part of the story. I pour everything into every brushstroke, and I am so happy to share that journey with you.
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