Let’s dive into a Q&A with Indian artist, Nikhil Pradeep (@nikhpaints). We chatted about posting art to social media, different art mediums, and creative inspo so we could understand his art journey better. Get to know Nikhil by reading on!
When was the last time you had a creative buzz after you made something?
When I reached the last page of my favourite sketchbook, I decided to make something special. The painting I admire the most is Girl with a Pearl Earring, so I knew exactly what I had to sketch. After 3 days and lots of hand cramps, I finally finished the most detailed sketch I had ever done so far and that was the best feeling ever.
How do you pick what to paint and draw?
Inspiration mostly hits me while scrolling on Pinterest, but certain events my friends and I come across; movies and books that I really connect with; and works from artists I admire can all make me want to pick up my pencil and brushes.
We can see you’re into different styles and subject matter! What’s an art medium that you’d like to explore more?
Definitely oil paint. I started my art journey with graphite pencil and slowly progressed to watercolour, then oils. Oil is the one medium that both excites and terrifies me as being self-taught, there are a lot of things that I have to be mindful of while painting (which I only learned through trial and error). The finished product always keeps me in awe of the results I can achieve with oils.
What’s a creative project you’ve done that you weren’t sure how it would turn out?
A year ago, when I had just started experimenting with acrylics, I got an order for an abstract painting to be done on a 5ft canvas. I decided to go with pour painting for the abstract work, with zero experience working with pour painting or that large of a canvas. After using 1L of various paints and hours of clean-up, I was finally happy with the artwork, and now it hangs in my friend’s house.
Who do you discuss creative ideas with?
My friend Vidhu (@veekrafts), who is an amazing artist with her own style, is not only responsible for introducing me to various media outside my comfort zone but also helping me refine the cool ideas I have in my head and providing valid critiques on whatever I make. She helps me push myself beyond what I can achieve, and she is the one person I can discuss artwork and ideas with.
What would you do if you had infinite time and money?
Definitely quit my job as a microbiologist and get a large art studio in a Parisian apartment complex. I’d be able to push myself beyond my comfort zone without the fear of ruining the piece or wasting expensive materials.
What’s a creative habit you had to unlearn?
Being a self-taught artist, I didn’t have an understanding of the fundamentals and instead relied on my gut instinct to capture figures and ideas, working with the closest colours I could mix. I had to unlearn everything about colouring and teach myself how to mix pigment, adjust the hue, and alter saturation rather than just reaching for paint right from the tube.
What time period or decade would you go back to for creative inspiration?
The Renaissance period for sure. Their painting techniques, brushstrokes, attention to detail, realism, and use of rare pigments all make my creative juices spike.
If you had no time frame, what would you love to create?
Complex paintings with lots of details and characters, like the Last Supper. I would love to be able to create very detailed paintings that could take ages to finish.
How does being a social media artist influence what you make?
It creates some stress as I have to make sure that I make no mistakes. So, not only do I make safer artwork that doesn’t push my boundaries, but I also usually end up sketching simpler designs that I can finish in a shorter time. Not to mention the whole process of making reels makes it difficult to paint without disturbing the camera setup. Plus, the algorithm seems to hide the work you put the most time into, and that makes my heart drop. On the other hand, I do get to sketch some interesting concepts given to me by my followers.
See more about @nikhpaints by checking out our gallery, where his art journey is featured! Stock up on oils, watercolours and gouache so you can explore different ways to create just like Nikhil. If you feel inspired to get creating, #montmarteart or tag us @montmarteart on Instagram or Facebook. We’d love to see what you come up with!
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