Art is a personal form of creative expression – why does an artist create it the way he does? Each human being interprets a work of art (sculpture, painting, graffiti, mural, live art etc.) in his own way. Our culture and education impacts our view. I may love Turner, Monet, Raza and Ramkumar but not Damien Hirst, Durer, Hussein and Anjoli Menon. Why ? It is an amalgam of various elements which create your view of an artwork - be it the composition style and size, is it a landscape or portrait or still life; the medium, the texture, the material used for the work, or even the framing. Every part influences you indirectly. This ofcourse is for paintings; similarly for other art forms. My favourite style of painting I paint landscapes and abstracts in acrylics, oils and water colours. My favourite style is impasto as it creates beautiful imagery and depth exploiting the richness of the paints; producing a pleasing tactile surface. Painting with a knife is totally different experience from a brush. Landscapes convey peace, tranquillity and considerable warmth. I generally paint western landscapes as there are very few Indian artists painting these scenes; whilst there is a world full of Indians painting Indian scenes! A journalist said of my landscapes - "Sunil Mehta's paintings were such that if you stare at them long enough you'll want to be a part of them!" My pillars of support I am indebted to my mother Usha Shantilal Mehta, an unassuming brilliantly versatile artist from whom I inherited my artistic genes. I actually learned from various teachers abroad in their art classes. Their techniques are so different. Katharine Holmes of Yorkshire freed my inhibitions in style, media and quantum of use of paint and size of brushes! Her teaching style was truly expressive; she taught me to use the best brushes and paints and never stint! I learnt to think differently from what I believed was economy of scale! Finally, my framer who definitely enhances and brings ‘alive’ each painting when framed. Art should be enjoyed - when one sees paintings at a gallery or at a friend's house; when one buys art for love of the painting or as an investment; or when one paints the work. At each stage, essentially you should ‘be happy’. You need inspiration, motivation and no disturbance when painting. My belief We need to be surrounded by visuals which excite our senses and which provide solace and contentment – Art should be a part of one’s soul. Be happy when painting. Always try out something new; be innovative. Try and see art from the viewer’s point of view if you are exhibiting. Paint from the heart any subject you feel comfortable about. Be sincere. Attempt to be a good citizen by giving a percentage of sales proceeds to charity as it helps NGO’s. Go surprise yourself. Art is a personal form of creative expression – why does an artist create it the way he does? Each human being interprets a work of art (sculpture, painting, graffiti, mural, live art etc.) in his own way. Our culture and education impacts our view. I may love Turner, Monet, Raza and Ramkumar but not Damien Hirst, Durer, Hussein and Anjoli Menon. Why ? It is an amalgam of various elements which create your view of an artwork - be it the composition style and size, is it a landscape or portrait or still life; the medium, the texture, the material used for the work, or even the framing. Every part influences you indirectly. This ofcourse is for paintings; similarly for other art forms. I paint landscapes and abstracts in acrylics, oils and water colours. My favourite style is impasto as it creates beautiful imagery and depth exploiting the richness of the paints; producing a pleasing tactile surface. Painting with a knife is totally different experience from a brush. Landscapes convey peace, tranquillity and considerable warmth. I generally paint western landscapes as there are very few Indian artists painting these scenes; whilst there is a world full of Indians painting Indian scenes! A journalist said of my landscapes - "Sunil Mehta's paintings were such that if you stare at them long enough you'll want to be a part of them!" I am indebted to my mother Usha Shantilal Mehta, an unassuming brilliantly versatile artist from whom I inherited my artistic genes. I actually learned from various teachers abroad in their art classes. Their techniques are so different. Katharine Holmes of Yorkshire freed my inhibitions in style, media and quantum of use of paint and size of brushes! Her teaching style was truly expressive; she taught me to use the best brushes and paints and never stint! I learnt to think differently from what I believed was economy of scale! Finally, my framer who definitely enhances and brings ‘alive’ each painting when framed. Art should be enjoyed - when one sees paintings at a gallery or at a friend's house; when one buys art for love of the painting or as an investment; or when one paints the work. At each stage, essentially you should ‘be happy’. You need inspiration, motivation and no disturbance when painting. My belief: We need to be surrounded by visuals which excite our senses and which provide solace and contentment – Art should be a part of one’s soul. Be happy when painting. Always try out something new; be innovative. Try and see art from the viewer’s point of view if you are exhibiting. Paint from the heart any subject you feel comfortable about. Be sincere. Attempt to be a good citizen by giving a percentage of sales proceeds to charity as it helps NGO’s. Go surprise yourself !