Behind the Brush: My Creative Process
Every painting on this page starts with a blank surface and plenty of patience. I believe you should see the story behind the art, from the first pencil sketch to the final layer of colour.
A close-up, work-in-progress shot of a Kalamkari-style painting. This shows the careful, hands-on process of building up layers of color and detail with a fine brush, which is the soul of all my handmade art.
This is me in my natural habitat, sitting on the floor working on the large glass window painting. Many of my biggest projects are created like this, with full focus and a bit of a backache.
The complete line work for the large magenta mandala before any color was added. This is the foundational drawing, which takes hours of precise, geometric work.
Another work-in-progress shot from 'Project K', showing the initial color blocking in orange and yellow for a Kalamkari-style piece.
The early stages of a large Kalamkari painting, with the red and orange leaves being filled in while the central figures are still just pencil sketches.
A work-in-progress view of a 'Tree of Life' painting in the Kalamkari style. The leaves are being colored in green and yellow, but the peacocks at the base are still outlines.
A behind-the-scenes look at the Gond art tile project. Here you can see the painted canvases with the threads chosen for the embroidery work, ready for my mom to work her magic.
About this collection
Most of my larger pieces, especially the glass art, happen on the floor. It involves hours of sitting, precise line work, and yes, the occasional back ache. It is not just about the final frame, it is about the 20 to 30 hours of quiet, focused energy that goes into every mandala or folk art piece before it even reaches your wall.
From Outline to Finished Art
My creative process is rarely linear. For the larger mandala projects, it starts with hours of geometric planning and pencil outlines, sometimes taking days before I even touch a brush. I use high-pigment acrylics on 300 GSM archival paper, which ensures the colors stay vibrant and the surface holds up without buckling. When you order a piece, you are not just getting a painting, you are getting the result of that slow, intentional layering.
Working with Glass and Folk Traditions
The glass art projects, like my 'Moo Project' featuring Madhubani and Gond motifs, require a different approach. I paint on glass sheets to create a stained-glass effect. The process starts with a black outline, which creates the structure for the vibrant glass colors that follow. It is tricky work, but the way natural sunlight makes these pieces pop makes every minute worth it.
A Family Collaboration
Sometimes, the process involves more than just my own hands. I have started collaborating with my mom, who is a fashion designer. For projects like the Gond art tiles, I handle the painting and design layout, while she brings in her expertise with threadwork and embroidery to complete the piece. It adds a layer of texture that I simply could not achieve alone.
Custom Commissions
If you have a wall that needs some color or a specific idea, we can start with a conversation. We will chat about the size, the color palette, and the theme. Whether it is a custom mandala for a living room or a glass art insert for a door, I will keep you updated with progress shots throughout the journey.
Nidhi
I am Nidhi—an architect by day, artist by choice. I do not just paint, I pour my love for nature and tradition into every piece. If you are looking for art that feels personal and alive, let us create something together.
Looking for a different style of art?
Type what you need to see more of my work.
More from Custom & Fine Art Paintings by Nidhi