At Ahista Tea, we believe in the power of good design, aesthetic and artistic flair and love to learn more about the people that make it possible. In this enforced period of slowing down, our aim is to help people find inspiration on the art of slow living through individual stories that have the power to change the collective. We hope this interview gives you the canvas and brushes to start painting your own masterpiece.

Interview with Suruchi Gulati from Pale Pink Studio

She's celebrated for her hand-painted artwork, minimalist visual language, and passion for her craft; while exploring a range of techniques and draws inspiration from her love of nature. Her floral artwork is a delightful treat, incredibly relaxing and therapeutic to watch. ⁣It brings us a sense of calm and mindfulness.

Here are some highlights from our interview:

Q: Tell us more about Pale Pink Studio and your journey leading up to starting your own business. What inspired you to get into the creative arts? 

A: I was always that kid (now a grown up), who’d be left behind on any trek or walk, because I’d get lost admiring the smallest details in nature. From the phases of the moon, changing colors of the seasons, to the intricate folds of a petal, I love to admire it all. I was overwhelmed with all the beauty of our planet and wanted to capture it in all ways possible. So I paint and I also dry flowers and random twigs and leaves- I do anything that keeps me connected with nature. I started putting my work online and I eventually started getting design projects, orders for paintings, etc. It started with friends and acquaintances, and led to strangers and people from around the world. It was quite liberating, and there’s been no turning back. My followers repeatedly tell me about the sense of calm they feel when they visit my page, and that’s what keeps me going, more than anything. I want it to be a place on the internet where people can come to get their daily dose of (virtual) nature and more importantly, realize how important our relationship with the natural world is and how it needs to be protected more than anything, so it doesn’t just stay in the virtual world.

Q: What/who supported you on this journey? There seems to be so much positivity, encouragement and enthusiasm in the creative community

A: My friends and family have been supportive. The encouragement and enthusiasm in the creative community on the internet is absolutely the best. It is contagious. I’d be nowhere without my online creative friends. We all hope to meet each other in the real world sometime too! They have been there for me since the very beginning, and I try to be the same for the beginners and budding artists.

Q: What platforms are you available on and what resources do you provide for art lovers and learners?

A: I try to share my process and all the skills I’ve developed over time on instagram through IGTV videos, and recently I’ve started making tutorials on Youtube and Skillshare as well. I know how overwhelmed I was with all the supplies options etc when I started out so I want to help out as many budding artists as possible using these platforms. I get messages that painting has helped so many people de-stress and enjoy their time, especially during this lockdown and time of stress and uncertainty, so I’m trying to create as much content as possible for learners.

Q: You specialize in botanical paintings and soft landscapes. How does painting from life differ from painting from photographs; do you find it easy to transition from one to the other?

A: I transition from one to the other all the time, and though the internet has got us all so much closer to a lot of places and nature virtually, there is absolutely nothing like painting from life. It’s so much more tangible, and the experience remains a fond memory, which is something I cherish.

Q: You’re an art educator for Winsor and Newton. What is it about their products that you love most? What’s your favourite watercolour?

A: I started my watercolor journey with W&N, so it’s just been nostalgic. I was happy when they reached out to me to be a brand educator. They seem to be the standard for watercolor paints by professionals. They do not fade for years which makes the paintings last for generations, which is important. My favourite color is ‘Olive Green’ - it’s a bright grass colored green and reminds me of sitting on grass, which is one of my favourite things to do.

Q: What advice would you give to someone who feels repeatedly disappointed by their detailed paintings – how do you avoid the feeling of wanting to give up completely?

A: A good breather always helps. You should leave the painting and come back to it after some days, sometimes even weeks, with a clearer mind and fresh perspective. For detailed paintings, take it slow. Do it for the process - think of it like meditation. You need a lot of patience for detailed paintings and you’ll only be able to do them if you enjoy them

Q: How do you normally take your cup of tea / chai? 

A: With some herbs. White tea with lavender is my favourite, however a roadside masala chai is something I can never resist-I’m an Indian!