Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Madhupriya Srinivasan. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Madhupriya thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. How did you learn to do what you do? Knowing what you know now, what could you have done to speed up your learning process? What skills do you think were most essential? What obstacles stood in the way of learning more?

I am mostly a self taught artist and have also enjoyed learning from occasional workshops. I have worked with different mediums over the years but at this point in my career, I am painting mostly with watercolors. Interestingly, this is the medium I struggled the most with for many years! I was fascinated with the fluidity of the medium and the way watercolors seemed to bring light into the space.
But I felt so frustrated working with them.

Initially my paintings would buckle and look chalky unlike the dreamy paintings in my vision. It took me time to realize that it was not me but the cheap paper and paint that I was using. Once I started using good materials, it definitely made learning the techniques easier but I was still frustrated because watercolors seemed to have a mind of their own. Being a control freak and perfectionist, definitely did not help!

What I didn’t realize then—and deeply wish I had known earlier—is that creating any art, especially with watercolors, isn’t about control or perfection. It’s about enjoying the creative process for what it is: an exploration, a dance, a partnership between you and the medium!
Once I shifted my focus from the perfect end result and started being more present in the creative process, everything shifted for me!
The stress lifted, the pressure went away, and creating art became joyful !
Watercolors taught me to let go, to trust the process, and to allow beauty to emerge in its own way—imperfect, unexpected, and absolutely magical!
Letting go of perfectionism also meant I was more willing to show up in my studio consistently and willing to explore the zillion ideas in my head, rather than waiting for inspiration to strike.
Creating from this space, felt so joyful and aligned and this has also helped me rediscover myself!

Madhupriya, before we move on to more of these sorts of questions, can you take some time to bring our readers up to speed on you and what you do?

Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. I grew up in a very creative and aesthetic environment. My parents introduced me to different visual and performing art forms in India and encouraged me to explore my creativity. After marriage, I moved to the United Sates and at a friend’s suggestion, I participated in an art show. It was an amazing experience and I loved how my art connected me with people and I decided to create art as a professional artist and also started teaching.

My art is calming and empowering!
Art that not only adds beauty and delights the eye, but also nurtures the soul, rooted in mindfulness, play and purpose…..
I believe art can be both soothing and inspiring, and I reflect that in everything I create, whether it’s a resilient lotus, a grateful whale, or a quote that speaks to the now.

It’s a visual mantra that helps shift your energy, soothe your heart, and remind you to believe in yourself . My biggest joy is when my clients tell me that my art adds value in their lives by being a gentle reminder of who they are and what they’re capable of—each piece infused with a growth mindset, self-love, abundance, and gratitude!

I also believe that each one of us is born creative, we just express it differently. In my art classes, I focus on simplifying the techniques and helping my students let go of perfectionism and create for the joy of the process!

Let’s talk about resilience next – do you have a story you can share with us?

I feel everyone has their own share of challenges and the way we respond to them helps us grow and evolve.
My main struggles were health related. There were years when I could not paint at all and it was definitely very painful. But I am grateful for whatever I went through because it made me realize the mistakes I was making and gave me an opportunity to make better choices in my life!
It showed me what lack of rest and burnout was doing to me and it was a turning point in my life.

The healing was slow but I appreciated every small progress. I started valuing the simple joys of life, started being more present, created boundaries and prioritized rest and self love. Instead of constantly worrying about ‘doing’ I started focusing on ‘Being”. I shifted my attention from all that was going wrong in the external circumstances to all that I was grateful for and started working from the inside out.
Those years empowered me, showed me my inner strength and have become the foundation of my current artistic voice!
My art resonates these realizations and beliefs that the power to heal, to grow, to be happy and to make our dreams come true…is all within us. And when we come from a place of self love, gratitude and being in the Now, we open ourselves to unlimited possibilities!

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

The most rewarding aspect of being an artist for me is the deep emotional connection—both within myself and with others—that my art creates.
Painting has been a journey of self discovery for me. Being in the Flow state gives me immense joy, heals me and is one of the most amazing experiences I have ever had.

As an artist I truly appreciate, how the love for a piece of art creates this quiet, powerful connection between the artist and the collector/viewer. Every brushstroke holds a story, a moment, a message. And then, somehow, someone else—who may have never even met you—sees that painting, and connects with it!

That shared resonance is what makes the connection so meaningful. The collector isn’t just buying a painting—they’re bringing a piece of my heart and my journey into their own space. And in turn, my work becomes part of their story too.

Knowing that your art has touched someone deeply brings a sense of purpose, validation, and joy that’s hard to describe. That connection—intimate, authentic, and lasting—is one of the most magical parts of being an artist.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.madhusartnook.com/
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• Other: https://society6.com/madhusartnook