Watercolour Painting ‘Theo the Monkey’ by Arti Chauhan
Our artwork of the week this week is a small watercolour painting of a baby monkey by Arti Chauhan. ‘Theo the Monkey’ is a charming portrait of a monkey in thought.
I find this piece really captivating and love the neutral tones that Arti has used. She has used the watercolour paints to great effect, capturing realism of the monkey’s face. But also allowing the random effects of the watercolour paints to make its own unique mark.
In Arti’s Words
In this small watercolour painting a baby monkey is depicted in a charming side profile. The tiny creature, with its fist gently pressed to its mouth, exudes a playful yet contemplative demeanour. With loose and fluid strokes which capture the innocence and curiosity of childhood. The painting is 8X8 inch on Arches paper.
About the Artist
I am a representational artist living and working in Hampshire, England.
Art has been my passion since my early years. I worked as an animator and illustrator for 15 years before making a switch to become a full-time professional artist in 2011.
I use different mediums, but the spontaneity and transparency of watercolour inspires me the most. Creating expressive and sometimes whimsical portraits of animals, full of personality and character.
My paintings have been accepted in juried shows of the International Watercolour Society. I have exhibited in Italy, Hong Kong, India, Nepal and regularly in England. My art has found collectors worldwide through my website and online galleries.
QUESTIONS TO THE ARTIST
Firstly, ‘Theo the Monkey’ is really charming – I love his expression. How did you capture such detail in his face? Do you work from a reference image?
Theo was created from a reference photograph, as most of my animal portraits. But what I truly strive for in my paintings is capturing the expressions of my subjects in a painterly way. My style is loose and expressive, which allows me to bring out the emotions and character of each subject with freedom and fluidity.
I see as well as your animals painting, you sometimes paint other subjects. Which is your favourite subject to paint and why?
I’ve always had a passion for painting portraits, but animals offer me the freedom to explore different subjects. Giving me the opportunity to infuse my own artistic flair into every piece, making each depiction uniquely my own. I also enjoy creating landscapes, seascapes, and abstract pieces when I feel inspired to paint freely, without looking at a specific reference.
Do you mainly work in watercolour? Is this your preferred medium, and if so, why?
Watercolour is a medium I was drawn to when I started painting full time. Initially, because of its quick, fresh, and spontaneous results. I fell in love with it for the transparency it offers, allowing me to go with the flow and create emotional pieces. I also work in oils, acrylics and pastels; it really depends on how suitable the medium is to a subject and mood.
How does being a professional artist differ from your past career working as an illustrator and animator? Is it more rewarding?
I enjoyed my work as an illustrator and animator. But being a professional artist gives me complete freedom to paint what I love, whenever inspiration strikes. It allows me to truly follow my creative path and express myself without limitations. I wouldn’t change it for anything.
Lastly, which artists inspire you?
As an artist, the beauty of the natural world inspires me. I do not follow any artist’s style but artists like David Shepherd have definitely been an inspiration to my African wildlife paintings. While more contemporary US painter Carol Carter is an artist whose fluid style I absolutely love.
