Millen project
Posted on August 10, 2024 Leave a Comment
Presenting my original illustration to Gabi Deyerling-Seidel, the author and brainchild behind the brochure about Millen, a place of historical significance for over 1000 years. I feel fortunate to be a part of it as I got the opportunity to create the map of Millen, which I did in water colour with 15 landmark buildings on it which features inside it.
The book is co-financed by the EU, with the participation of State NRW under Ministry of Agriculture and Consumer Protection. Yesterday the book was inaugurated by the Mayor of district Selfkant.
Desert Music
Posted on August 10, 2024 Leave a Comment
‚Desert Music‘ 150 x 150 cm, Acrylic painting, 2024
This is a commissioned artwork took around 120 hours to complete. Finally happy to see it installed at my client’s house. I was personally present there to see it was done to perfection. So thankful to him for giving me the freedom to conceptualise this painting entirely.
In “Desert Music,” I have drawn inspiration from Indian folk traditions to create a world filled with rhythm, warmth, and emotional connection. Folk-inspired style appears through the decorative patterns, vibrant colors, stylized figures, and storytelling elements that echo the visual language of traditional Indian art forms. Rather than aiming for realism, I simplify forms and enrich surfaces with symbolic detail, allowing emotion and cultural memory to take center stage.
The painting reflects the spirit of desert life where music, celebration, and togetherness become a way of enduring the harshness of nature. Beneath the glowing desert sun, the loving couple dressed in richly ornamented costumes represents companionship and shared journeys through life. The dancing peacock, often seen in Indian culture as a symbol of beauty, joy, and romance, adds a sense of movement and celebration to the scene.
Through my folk-inspired approach, I tried to transform an everyday moment into a poetic narrative and also preserve the emotional essence of Indian cultural traditions. The intricate patterns and luminous colors are not merely decorative; they evoke memory, festivity, and the timeless connection between people, music, nature, and heritage. In this way, the painting becomes both a celebration of cultural identity and a reflection on human warmth and harmony.
Rajasthani sisters
Posted on August 10, 2024 Leave a Comment
Rajasthani sisters, Acrylic on canvas, 120 x 160cm.
Rajasthani Sisters is a contemporary Indian folk-art painting that celebrates the strength, beauty, and cultural identity of women from Rajasthan, India. The artwork depicts two Rajasthani women dressed in vibrant traditional clothing and jewelry, rendered in a stylized, geometric, and colorful visual language.
This painting largely celebrates Rajasthani culture – Rajasthan is a desert region, but its people are known for wearing intensely colorful fabrics and ornaments. The contrast between the harsh desert landscape and vivid clothing symbolizes resilience and joy. The “sisters” are not only literal figures but also symbolic of companionship, shared identity, and women supporting one another. I have replaced realism with geometric shapes, circles, and stylized forms, giving the work a modern, almost abstract quality while preserving traditional themes.
The painting has been exhibited internationally, including shows in Marbella and Monaco, where it was presented as a celebration of feminine grace and Indian heritage.
Water lilies for you
Posted on May 21, 2024 Leave a Comment
Water lilies for you, 80x100cm, Oil on canvas.
This particular one is the last of my Women series. Inspired by the water lily fairy who hid in a pond among others and wanted to do something nice for the people who were showering gifts everyday. This is much indianised version of an Italian tale, also an amalgamation of realistic and contemporary style.
In Love
Posted on November 2, 2023 Leave a Comment
In Love, 90x90cm, Oil on canvas.
The fragrance of rose & chamomile,
Blends with the aroma of love,
I pick these moments for you,
In a basket, for a lifetime.
Next in the woman series is ‘In love’. I have used lilies, roses and chamomile this time trying to portray a dream in a very soft treatment using mostly pastel shades. The expressions are subtle, the posture is relaxed, she is likely in love, amidst bouquet of flowers.
Interview
Posted on November 2, 2023 Leave a Comment
My interview in Geilenkirchener Zeitung dated October 7th, 2023 (in German)
Dozing on laburnum
Posted on September 12, 2023 Leave a Comment
‘Dozing on Laburnum’ 90 x 90cm, oil on canvas.
Onset of the spring
when the laburnum is in full bloom,
on the yellow bed,
I lay down and doze off
and meet you in my dreams.
Most of the artist in their lifetime do attempt to paint a reclining woman, I couldn’t have left behind, it’s the first but not the last. The idea behind this painting was triggered when i saw the pic shared by my friend Kavita from Puducherry, which she clicked during her weekend walks in the wild for bird watching. The laburnum flowers fallen under the trees and the walkways was such a sight that tempted you to just lay on it, roll on it, feel the petals on your skin and hear the rustles of the dried leaves. That’s how my next in woman series came to life.
Oia, Santorini
Posted on September 9, 2023 Leave a Comment
Oia, Santorini, Greece (70 x 50 cm), oil on canvas
Next in my travel series is Oia, which we suddenly discovered while driving around and decided to take a break, we were beyond stunned to see this view in 2011. It’s been a while and i would love to be back in Greece. This heaven on earth had to captured on canvas, though i have painted Santorini series in water colour as well, but I had to paint it in oil and experience the love and emotions all over again.
Some capture their memories in photographs, some in poetry, some in videos, but as an artist, our representations are purely individual and unique. I hope to resonate with like minded art lovers 🙂
Boats
Posted on September 4, 2023 Leave a Comment
Boats (24 x 30 cm) Oil on canvas.
Started a new series based on the beautiful memories of my travel across the globe using impressionist technique. This particular one is based on a pic that i clicked in Veli Losinj, Croatia, in 2021, sitting along the port in a dainty restaurant offering fresh fish. This holiday was extremely memorable as we traveled with our dearest friends who have their yacht parked year round in Croatia. If a could capture my memory on a piece of canvas then this is it – sun, sea, blue, boats, mountains and lots of love.
Are you interested to see the next one in this series? Coming soon.
Firangipani & bougainville bliss
Posted on August 25, 2023 Leave a Comment
Firangipani & bougainville bliss, 80x100cm, oil on canvas.
When you aren’t with me,
You are still with me.
In my solitude, in my being,
in my existence,
Forever.
Sometimes all you need is your moment with yourself and the nature that elevates your blissful state. The bougainville and firangipani is the state of mind, the pets is your peace. You don’t necessarily have to be physically closer, your souls are. What is inside transcends into the outside.
This painting took me between 60-70 hours within a span of two months, which also included my right hand surgery which caused a long delay in resuming the unfinished canvas. Finally, i am glad i could finish it. Our journeys and struggles of life is an ongoing process, we just overcome them and keep moving on embracing all that universe throws at us. As long as you are walking on your path, all is well!
Chitra Raju Creations 