--- title: "Behind the Canvas: My Custom Art Creation Process in Mumbai" description: "See how I bring custom art to life in my Mumbai studio. From initial sketches to final oil painting layers, discover my creative process for your commission." canonical: https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/the-creative-process last_updated: 2025-09-30 --- # Behind the Canvas: My Painting Process Tribe Verified · Custom art commissioned for leaders and families By [Flourish Art by Palak Mehta](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak) · Studio in Mumbai; Ships across India · ₹40K Per 24x30 inch Artwork (estimate) Part of [Custom Canvas Paintings](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings). [View full gallery](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/gallery) Ever wonder what goes into a painting before it reaches your home? Here is a peek inside my Mumbai studio, from the initial pencil sketch to the final brushstroke of your custom piece. ## Photos and videos - [Video: This time-lapse video shows the underpainting process for my Venice canal scene. This first step is crucial for establishing the composition and tonal values of the final piece.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/388fff37-b00a-43f8-b34e-e6bcf36c37c8) - [Video: Part two of the Venice underpainting process. Here, I explain how I use a thin layer of oils to build a warm foundation that will subtly influence the final colors of the painting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fd7c4526-31c4-4378-8849-bd4701786544) - ![Building the brick wall one stroke at a time. This work-in-progress shot of the Venice painting shows the first layer of color being applied over the underpainting.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/4dec9909-443a-435a-aeff-fb064f643801) - ![A repost of the Venice painting after applying the first layer of thick paint. I can't wait to show you how this piece transforms with more detail.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/7cbc5eab-132b-4327-8658-0a2dbdc4bae7) - ![The underpainting for a large floral piece is in progress. This monochromatic layer helps me define the shapes and shadows of the petals before I begin adding color.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/a599f349-97bb-49d3-8053-2cf23ff127b1) - ![The very beginning of something big. This is the initial pencil sketch on a large, toned canvas for my first floral painting of 2020.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d228b611-3505-4cb0-a228-d8409e563cd3) - ![Here I am working on the monochrome underpainting of a giant bloom. I like to spend time with this stage before mixing my color palette for the final layers.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/fa3fc946-ffc5-4842-8394-970ec13f5f89) - ![Making progress on this giant floral painting. The background colors are starting to come in, making the central bloom pop.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/89be26e4-6360-4c66-8ee3-aadb7b44c48a) - ![Slowly making my way through this giant, complicated floral painting. It's all about patience and adding one brushstroke at a time.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/9c3e3c21-3e6e-4a18-80d6-e85fc9641637) - ![Me with my finished magnolia blossom painting. I love how the soft, delicate flowers stand out against the textured blue background.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/c2e47357-1d9c-49fd-bdb0-10d639ded1f0) - ![Adding the final touches to this forest landscape. This close-up shows the patchwork style I experimented with to create texture on the tree trunks and leaves.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/e72d10ce-f33f-4c2e-ad81-77133432f16a) - ![A close-up of the "Melodic Muse" underpainting. You can see how I've started to block in the shadows and highlights to give the statue a three-dimensional form.](https://assets.mytribe.in/insecure/raw:1/plain/s3://mytribe-assets-production/d113e54a-6b51-403d-82d4-104dddd57366) ## About The Creative Process Before I ever pick up a bright color, I start with an underpainting. It is the crucial first layer—usually in monochrome—that lets me map out the composition, light, and shadows. This step is where I fix the bones of your painting, ensuring that when the final layers of oil or acrylic go on, the anatomy, perspective, and emotion are exactly right. It is the part of the work you do not usually see, but it is the reason the final piece feels so alive. ### How I Build Your Painting Creating a piece of art is rarely just about the final image. For me, it is a journey from our first conversation to the moment you hang the canvas on your wall. **1. The Consultation & Vision** We start by talking about what you want to feel when you look at the painting. Whether it is a spiritual piece, a portrait, or a landscape, I need to understand the emotion you are looking for. We will discuss color palettes, your interior decor, and the story you want the painting to tell. **2. The Sketch & Composition** I never jump straight onto the canvas. I prepare sketches and digital mockups so we are on the same page. This prevents wasted time and ensures the scale of the artwork fits perfectly on your specific wall. **3. The Underpainting (The Foundation)** As I mentioned, this is the most important technical step. Using thin oils or acrylics, I block in the darks and lights. This is not the pretty part, but it is the most vital. It creates the depth and the contrast that makes the final painting pop. **4. Layering & Detail** This is where the magic happens. I apply layers of paint, letting them dry and building up the textures. If I am painting a portrait, this is where I focus on micro-expressions. If it is a floral piece, I focus on the translucency of the petals using my palette knife. I will send you 2-3 work-in-progress photos during this phase so you can see your story take shape. **5. Protection & Delivery** Once the painting is finished, I apply a high-quality varnish to protect it from dust and UV light. I install the hanging hardware myself, and your piece is packed securely with acid-free paper, ready to be shipped from my studio to your home. ## About Flourish Art by Palak Mehta Hi, I am Palak. I am a painter based here in Mumbai, and my studio is where I spend most of my days—often with paint on my hands and maybe a toddler roaming nearby. I do not just paint pretty pictures; I obsess over the details to make sure what lands on your wall tells a real story. [See all of Flourish Art by Palak Mehta's services](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak) ## More from Custom Canvas Paintings by Flourish Art by Palak Mehta - [Featured](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/featured) - [Spiritual & Devotional Art](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/spiritual-devotional-art) - [Lifelike Portraits](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/lifelike-portraits) - [Landscapes: From Nature to Cityscapes](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/landscapes-from-nature-to-cityscapes) - [My Studio & Exhibitions](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-canvas-paintings/my-studio-exhibitions) ## More services by Flourish Art by Palak Mehta - [Custom Portrait Paintings](https://mytribe.in/flourishartbypalak/custom-portrait-paintings) ## Similar work from other experts - [Behind the Art: My Creative Process](https://mytribe.in/art_of_karishma/custom-paintings/the-creative-process-behind-the-art) by Karishma Nain · Custom Paintings & Live Wedding Painting · Painted in my Delhi studio and shipped across India; I travel to venues in Delhi for live wedding painting - [Behind the Scenes: My Artistic Process](https://mytribe.in/brushtler/commissioned-fine-art-paintings/behind-the-scenes-my-process) by Sanaya Irani · Commissioned Fine Art Paintings · Painted at studio in Mumbai; Ships across India - [Behind the scenes of my creative process](https://mytribe.in/themoodbox.in/mural-wall-art/the-creative-process) by The Mood Box · Mural & Wall Art · Travels across India for mural and wall art projects - [Behind the Scenes: My Art Process & Studio](https://mytribe.in/sushantsrane/custom-human-portraits/behind-the-scenes-my-process-studio) by Sushant Srane · Custom Human Portraits · Book online; Ships across India - [My Painting Process: From Blank Canvas to Finished Work](https://mytribe.in/sanket_thorat_07/fine-art-commissioned-paintings/the-process-from-blank-canvas-to-final-piece) by Sanket Thorat · Fine Art & Commissioned Paintings · Ships across India - [Behind the Brush: How My Paintings Come to Life](https://mytribe.in/megvinart/original-fine-art-paintings/behind-the-brush-my-creative-process) by Megha Vinod · Original Fine Art Paintings · Ships across India & Bengaluru ## Book To book Flourish Art by Palak Mehta, message mytribe on WhatsApp: [Chat on WhatsApp](https://wa.me/916360004054?text=Hi%20Palak%2C%20I%20saw%20your%20'Creative%20Process'%20page%20and%20would%20love%20to%20chat%20about%20commissioning%20a%20custom%20painting.%20Are%20you%20currently%20taking%20requests%3F)