Vandana Mukheja Chugh started painting at the beginning of 2024 after a long period of ill health. Recovering taught her that there is nothing that can make you as happy as doing what you love. She had always loved watercolours as a child and has now started exploring acrylics. Her favourite subject is Scottish architecture and she loves to paint the iconic buildings and castles around Scotland. She also loves to paint florals in watercolours and is currently exploring mixed media painting. She loves to experiment with all forms of art.

Hi Vandana! Can you tell us how your artistic journey started?
My artistic journey started quite late in my life in my mid forties. I have been a software Engineer for twenty years but internally I was always creative. In early 2024, while continuing to deal with health issues due to an accident and dealing with depression, I was confined to home and realised that I needed to do something that makes me happy. I always loved to paint as a child, and I felt the strong urge to paint again. I started and haven’t stopped since. My family is very encouraging, especially my husband who not only motivates me but offer constructive criticisms, which have helped me improve my work.

How has your practice changed over time?
Until early 2024 had only worked with watercolours of very basic quality. I realised that the quality of paints does matter and I started investing in better colours and better paper. I also began experimenting with acrylics and, after a couple of failed attempts, I started to get better at painting with them. Now I like to use acrylics for large scale paintings.

How did you arrive at the theme of your work?
I like to experiment with different art forms but I have recently felt a keen interest in Scottish architecture. Choosing an artwork to experiment with totally depends on my mood. I have a pipeline of artwork in my mind but paint what I feel like when I come to the canvas.

What advice would you give to artists who are just starting out?
Do not fear: every painting might not turn out to be great, but keep experimenting and you will be able to achieve your goals. It’s important to keep painting regularly to be able to see improvements in your work. Working regularly is the key to success. I would also recommend using the best quality material you can afford, it does make a difference.

What do you do to keep motivated and interested in your work?
Do not fear to share your work with the world! Try to get feedback. For me, sharing my work on Instagram and joining local artist groups has helped me connect to more artists and to learn from their work. Connecting and spending time with other artists keeps me motivated.

Find out more about Vandana’s work on her Instagram. Our Winter Open Call exhibition features an incredible collection of works by twenty-six artists who have each considered the season and explored the interplay of light and shadow, warmth and cold, presence and absence, through a wide range of mediums and styles. Chiaroscuro runs at Six Foot Gallery until Thursday 9th January 2025.