Still Life- Poetry in the ordinary.

Art isn’t just about capturing grand landscapes or rare moments—it’s also about seeing beauty in the simple things around us. A teacup bathed in morning light, a bowl of fresh fruit, or a single fallen petal can hold just as much emotion and meaning as a vast landscape. My still life watercolor paintings are inspired by these everyday objects, turning the ordinary into something extraordinary.

Cherries in a crystal jar- I couldn't help painting this glass bowl with the finest cherries in season. The sun light falling on the crystal made it sparkle and shine like stars in a clear sky.

The Magic of Light and Shadow

What truly brings an everyday object to life in a painting is the way light interacts with it. I feel soft sunlight creates magic when it falls on a glass vase. Its mesmerizing to see the way shadows dance across a wooden table and how the shadows formed are soft and hard edged in different value scales. Watercolor, with its transparency and fluidity, is the perfect medium to capture these delicate shifts in light and shadow.

Crystal Clear. This ash tray kept on the floor shone so magically in the afternoon sun that I was compelled to create a composition with it. Using multiple thin layers I was able to create depth and form in the painting bringing the glass to life.

Emotions in Simple Things

A still life is never just a random collection of objects—it tells a story. A wilted flower can symbolize the passage of time, an open book might hint at quiet contemplation, and a steaming cup of tea can evoke warmth and comfort. Everyday objects carry emotions, memories, and a sense of nostalgia, making them deeply personal subjects for painting.

Sun on my table- This composition was born with the various things in my house. The block print table cover, the book that I was reading that time, my eye glasses, the vinca flowers that were growing in my balcony etc. Every object in this painting holds a memory and hence makes me nostalgic when I look at it.

Slowing Down to See the Beauty

In our busy lives, we often overlook the charm of everyday objects. Painting still life allows me to slow down and truly observe the world around me. It’s a meditative process—arranging objects, studying how light falls on them, and translating that onto paper. It’s a reminder that beauty exists in the quiet, simple moments of life all we need to do is slow down the pace of our life and look around.

Little things- Would you pay attention to the thermocol balls that were brought for your child school project? These colorful balls caught my attention. Now my children are grown up and these balls are lost but the memory of my kids childhood still remains fresh with this painting.

A Timeless Art Form

Still life painting has been cherished for centuries, from the classic works of the Dutch Masters to modern minimalist compositions. What makes it timeless is its ability to turn the familiar into something poetic. Through my watercolor paintings, I hope to celebrate the unnoticed beauty of everyday life, inviting viewers to pause and appreciate the simple things around them.

What everyday objects inspire you? I'd love to hear what little details bring beauty to your daily life!