Alpana Rai

Artist Interview

What medium do you work with, and why have you chosen them?

I primarily work with acrylic on canvas, often incorporating mixed media elements to add depth and texture. Acrylics allow me to work intuitively and spontaneously—they dry quickly, enabling me to layer colors, blend seamlessly, and make bold, expressive brushstrokes without long pauses in my creative flow. I also enjoy experimenting with different tools and techniques, such as palette knives, washes, and mark-making, to create movement and organic forms in my landscapes. This flexibility aligns with my intuitive process, where I let the painting evolve naturally rather than following a rigid structure. The vibrancy of acrylics perfectly complements my love for bold colors, especially the pinks and blues that often define my work. These colors, influenced by both the Australian landscape and my Indian heritage, bring energy and emotion to my paintings, allowing me to create immersive and expressive compositions.

How does your artwork get from initial concept to exhibition stage?

My creative process is intuitive and organic, beginning without a fixed plan. I start by applying random colors to the canvas, letting spontaneity guide the first layers. As I step back and observe, I begin to make marks, lines, or curves based on what I see emerging. My sketchbook, filled with drawings of trees, mountains, rivers, benches, and other elements from my experiences, often serves as inspiration. I incorporate these objects into my paintings in an abstract way, allowing them to take on new meanings within the composition. Once a piece feels complete, I take time to reflect on it—sometimes stepping away and revisiting it later to ensure it conveys the energy and emotion I intend. If it resonates with me, I finalize it with a protective varnish before preparing it for exhibition.

Can you tell us a little more about your creative working environment/studio?

My studio is a space of freedom, intuition, and creativity—a place where I can fully immerse myself in the process of painting. It is filled with canvases in different stages of completion, jars of bold acrylic paints, and my sketchbooks, which hold spontaneous drawings of landscapes, objects, and memories that often find their way into my work.