Mrinalini Singh

In my almost three decade long journey as an artist, I’ve discovered that there is no one set pattern, formula or process of painting! There is no singular right or wrong way or, for that matter, a single cookie cutter formula!

Creativity, I feel is a multidimensional, multifaceted, dynamic process. It’s an ever changing pursuit with no set methodology or rule book! We can all certainly share our insights and processes with others... but at the end of all the studies, reasoning and discussions, there are - fortunately - infinite ways to do the same thing!

An artist can always paint the same familiar subject with a fresh perspective, look and twist! That is the unique gift each one brings to the common whole!

If one way of doing something works for one person, it does not have to naturally work successfully for another person. One can learn certain techniques, explore ways of doing something and learn a lot even by simple observation. Our curiosity and desire to learn will always benefit us and lead us to something more. However, at the end of each study, each artist must eventually experiment, practice and find and learn their own way. We are in the end our own best and true master. It’s what keeps us all authentic and true to our self!

The process of painting for me is an ever changing, unpredictable pursuit... where I can go through one period of just working in watercolours. Then suddenly move on to bold and big flowers in oils... followed by an adventure with acrylics...flowing into experimenting with mixed media... and back again to watercolours! Sometimes the signature thread that connects one period to another is apparent and obvious... other times it’s just so subtle!

On closer reflection, I have observed that what directs my entire process and flow is a dominant feeling and an inspired direction that guides the choices of a subject and creative style. It is in every moment of the way a process of new discoveries and growth.

I honour this inner guidance, intuition and trust the direction taken. As a basic rule of thumb, I always ask myself....do I feel excited to paint what I’m imagining and visualising? If the feeling persists, then I follow the direction being shown and see where it takes me.

I also love to work on multiple projects... and on any given day will give my attention and time to painting whatever project beckons! It is worth mentioning here that I don’t ever know for sure what the end picture will eventually look like! This aspect keeps my interest and mystery alive!

Painting for me is in the end a process of evolution both for the artist and their art.