Shilpi Gupta is a Computer Engineer turned Photorealistic Watercolour Artist. As a Software Manager, she worked in a reputed IT company for nearly a decade. Her art journey started with a short watercolour painting course. Her name originates from the Sanskrit word 'शिल्प' (Shilp) meaning 'Art' and for her, art is that part of her life which has been hidden inside her for years.
Though she is a self-taught artist, she has received loads of appreciation for being able to create unique textures and photorealism. She did face major obstacles when people considered watercolour painting as a "Child's play work" or "Anyone can do it" kind of a thing. Some considered that photorealism is not true art and that a “real photo” print can serve the same purpose.
Brushing aside all these opinions, she created her website and started selling her artworks online during lockdown. The results were really astounding.
Currently her works adore many art-lover’s walls in California, New Jersey, Singapore as well as in India at Mumbai, Delhi, Bangalore, Jaipur, Hyderabad just to name a few. She has won multiple art competitions, has been featured as a guest artist on Doodlewash, juried an art jamming competition and won the women entrepreneur challenge. Her works donated through the Rotary Club are on display at the Children's Hospital in Chennai. Few others donated to the Lions Club were sold in an art auction to raise money for charity. She has exhibited her works in a solo exhibition in Mumbai and also in the prestigious virtual India Art Festival.
She believes that if you have any talent hidden inside you, then you will definitely get the opportunity to explore that in your life. One turning point is all you need.
Unveiling our rendezvous with Shilpi Gupta
A. How many years you have been in the field of art and why?
I have been a Watercolour Artist for the last 7 years since 2015. I aim to create original art which is truly photorealistic and awakens all our senses. I want art lovers to connect with nature emotionally through my art, so that it brings back pleasant memories and relaxes their mind, body and soul.
B. What media you have been using so far?
I love painting in watercolours and also take commission orders in acrylic. I try to achieve perfection in photorealism with bold and vibrant colours which resonate with our beautiful nature around.
C. What media you are planning to explore in the future?
I believe in challenging myself and thinking differently in everything I create. Hence in the future, I wish to create thick textured abstract paintings using watercolour. Also I would like to create extra large sized photorealistic paintings.
D. What kind of uniqueness you spotlight using your art?
Photorealism and Fusion Portraits. I create photorealistic paintings from pictures clicked by people during their vacations which they wish to cherish forever in the form of art. Be it a dazzling landscape, refreshing flowers, lovely birds or animals, or anything in nature that is mesmerising. I also love creating fusion portraits with an abstract twist to the portraits.
Thanks Giving
The E Today is thankful to Shilpi Gupta for her valuable time and even to Mr. Hiral Shah, The Chief Editor; who is currently promoting artist from every corner of India and, looking at creating a much needed platform to showcase every artist of the nation.