“Painting is my passion. It is the reason I wake up every morning.”-Ria
Crimson Glow Painting Ria Krishan
I love art and I am fascinated by painters. I stand in front of a beautiful painting and I long to learn about the artist, their inspiration, their techniques, what period(s) of history they lived through, their lives and so much more. Where did they study? What influenced them? Are they know for landscapes, plein air, portraits or still-life?
I have been collecting art, mainly paintings for years, and have quite an eclectic collection, I buy what speaks to me and that could be a watercolor seascape in Maine or a landscape with a flock of sheep in Scottlad.
Last year while scrolling thru Instagram I came across an artists whose work “spoke to me”, Ria Krishnan. Her soft, ethereal landscapes transported me to another place, almost as if I was walking inside the painting. But Ria doesn’t just paint landscapes, she paints barns, boats, birds, sheep and more.
This year I wanted to “return to my blogging roots” and feature friends, family and fellow bloggers who are writers, artists, and entrepreneurs in my Holiday Gift Guide and I thought I would begin by sharing an interview with Ria Krishnan.
Without further adieu, Ria and her beautiful works of art.
“Painting is my passion. It is the reason I wake up every morning.” -Ria
“I see myself as a storyteller. I paint from what I see and feel around me. Any experience that captivates me, finds its way on my canvas. I feel compelled to share those moments with others and I do it through my paintings. I want people to connect with my work and build their own stories from that connection.
I consider it a privilege to be able to build relationships with people around me through my paintings. It is the most fulfilling part of my job.” ~Ria
Have you always painted ?
Art has always been a part of my life. As a kid, I remember drawing with color pencils and crayons. It was something I did to entertain myself after finishing homework. My parents always encouraged it and supported this hobby by providing a bountiful of art supplies.
However, as I grew up Art took a backseat and I went ahead to study engineering. I didn’t love it but it rewarded me with a well paying job in the software industry. At this time I continued to paint in my spare time. I was in India at this time.
When or how did you become a professional from a hobbyist ?
A couple years into the software job, I got married to my best friend and moved to the US. We had met in high school and he knew about my love for this craft and was extremely supportive. The US gave me a chance to start over. I found Art again and decided to study and learn the craft. I went ahead to take workshops with several accomplished artists in the US and got started. That was the beginning of my Art education & career. I continue to study the craft to this date.
What inspires you?
Nature/Landscapes. I love spending time outdoors. All my paintings are my humble attempt at capturing a moment in time. A fleeting moment that has spoken to me.
Why do you paint ?
Painting is like breathing for me. It’s a part of me. It is something I need to do to live (if that makes any sense).
With every landscape I paint, I want to teleport the viewer to a different location. I want to show the viewer a moment that captivated me and I do it through my paintings. My hope is that people connect with my work and build their own stories around them.
What size do you paint in and how many paintings do you make in a month ?
Painting is a very show and labor intensive process. I paint a lot. I try to make 3-4 little gems every month. However, sometimes I am lucky if I get 1 good painting. It doesn’t take too long to ruin the painting.
The Little-Gems/smaller works serve as studies for the larger pieces. Little Gems are perfect to decorate small spaces and are priced under $400. Larger pieces take a few months to call them “Finished”.
What is your Process like ?
I love painting from life. It is the best way to learn. I paint en plein air (french term for outdoors) quite a bit. A lot of my little gems are finished on location. Larger pieces involve a lot more thought process. I love to sketch before starting a painting. It helps be understand my subject better.
Do you make Custom Paintings ?
Yes ! I love creating custom works for people based on the photo(s) they provide. I have created several commissioned pieces over the years. It’s a process and I work with the collector to understand what they have in mind.
Custom Paintings have allowed me to travel to places I’ve never been to !
Where can one see your work ?
You can view and purchase my work on my website. You can also see how my Little-Gems (smaller paintings) can potentially look in your home using my App Collected Walls (It’s a free AR App on the Apple App Store – works on the iPhone). I designed it to give my collectors a gallery experience.
As a small business owner I am always thinking about how I can improve my customer’s experience. I wish I could invite everyone to my studio but that is very difficult. This App allows me to minimize that distance and allows the collector to visualize how my paintings can look in their home. It is my Art Gallery in YOUR Home! Give it a try !
Closing Thoughts
Art is a lifelong journey. It’s a lifestyle. It takes tremendous time, effort and dedication to learn the craft and to maintain the skills. However, It is an acquired skill. If someone wants to learn, just pick up the brush and get started.
Links to Ria Krishnan
Artist Web page here.
Link to Little Gems.
Link to Large Paintings Here.
If you are interested in a commission, click here.
You can follow Ria Krishnan on
Instagram –Instagram
Collected Walls
Ria’s app so that you can see a piece in your own home before you buy it!
Contact Ria via email ria@riakrishnan.com
I hope you enjoyed learning more about Ria and her work. Each one of these beautiful pieces would make a wonderful gift for you or your family and friends.
This year let’s support our Small Business friends and artists.
Have a great day friends.
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I have always SO admired artists! I can barely draw a stick. I loved hearing what she said about her art and what moves her to paint. Also that she started in one field and evolved into another: that proves that if you don’t get it right the first time, keep moving on.
Brenda
Brenda, Ria is amazingly talented! I admire all artists too.
Hi Brenda, Glad you like the answers :). There is always a second chance ❤️
Good answers!
Thanks William.
Ria’s artwork is the exact style that I love. Thank you so much for introducing me to this talented artist.
Paul, make sure you check out her website and the app to see her work in your own home!
Hi Paula, So happy you like my work. ❤️
HI Paula,
Glad you like my work. Thank you !
Thank you for sharing Rita’s work and life story. Her work is lovely
Thank you Mary! Ria is an amazing artist.
Hi Mary, Thank you ❤️
Thanks Mary !
Her work is absolutely amazing! So much talent.
Marieza, thank you! Ria is an amazing lady.