The Artist's Process: From Sketch to Soul
I believe art finds you, not the other way around. Here is a behind-the-scenes look at how we take a blank canvas and bring it to life, one brushstroke at a time.
Do work, do more work, do hard work. The beginning of a new painting starts with a careful and patient drawing on the canvas.
The final step: varnishing. I use a spray varnish to give the painting a protective coat and an even finish before it is installed in the client's home.
Here I am working on a series of smaller, decorative paintings. Each one is a miniature world of colour and tradition, perfect for gifting or creating a unique wall display.
A treasured memory of presenting a custom painting to the legendary singer K.S. Chithra on stage. It was an honour to meet her.
A great experience doing a live painting in just 7 minutes at a creators' event in Wayanad. I was supported on stage by the amazing artist Davinci Suresh.
A few years back, I had the wonderful opportunity to gift a Krishna painting to the actor and Guinness record holder, Pakru chettan, at his home.
On stage after sketching the new Mahindra XUV 3XO car at a content creators' summit. It was a fun and unexpected challenge.
About The Artist's Process: From Sketch to Soul
When you commission a piece, I do not just start painting. It begins with a pencil sketch to ensure we align on your vision, followed by constant updates as I build the layers of color and texture. From that very first pencil line to the final varnish that protects your painting, I keep you involved in the journey so the end result feels like your own story.
How We Bring Art to Life
Every project at Artkada is a journey, and I want you to see exactly how it happens. Whether you are looking for a traditional Kerala mural or a contemporary textured piece, my process is built on transparency and collaboration.
1. Concept & Sketching We start by discussing your vision. I sketch the composition first so you can see the scale and placement. For traditional murals, this is where we plan the Dhyana Sloka process, ensuring every detail of the deity or theme is accurate and respectful.
2. Layering & Detail This is the heart of the work. I build the art layer by layer. For our 3D textured abstracts, this means applying modeling paste and sculpting it with palette knives before any paint touches the canvas. For murals, it is a slow process of color blocking, starting from lighter tones to deep, rich reds and greens, finishing with the intricate gold or white highlights.
3. The Finishing Touch Once the painting is dry, the final, most crucial step is varnishing. I use high-grade protective varnish to seal the art. This not only gives it a professional matte or glossy finish but also ensures it is moisture-resistant and protected from dust, making it last for years in your home.
Why Authentic Art Matters Wallpaper and prints are easy, but they lack the energy of a handmade piece. When you choose a hand-painted Kerala mural or a custom portrait, you are inviting a piece of the artist's effort—and in my case, a little bit of Krishna’s blessings—into your living space. My team and I take our time to make sure every canvas is not just a decoration, but a part of your home’s soul.
Similar work from other experts
Browse through Curated picks from other experts on mytribe
135
See How I Create My Kerala Mural Paintings
Behind the Brush: The Art Process
Behind the scenes of my creative process
8
Inside My Creative Studio & Process
The Artistic Process: From Sketch to Mural
Custom Hand-Painted Art & Murals
More from Custom Canvas Paintings by Vipin Iritty
More services by Vipin Iritty