BeyondBooks: ‘Nature inspires me a lot’

For Class VII student Sharanya Shelar of Apeejay School, Kharghar, art is more than just a hobby — it’s her way of finding peace and expressing imagination. From watercolour washes to detailed acrylic landscapes, Sharanya has mastered the delicate balance between creativity and patience. 

A young artist with a curious mind, she is equally drawn to science and mathematics, making her a well-rounded learner. In this interview for our Beyond Books series, Sharanya talks about her painting journey, inspirations, and the little world of colours she has built around herself.

Read edited excerpts:

When did you first discover your love for painting?
I started painting when I was in Class 1 or 2. During the lockdown, I began practising more seriously and later I took up professional training to learn new techniques. That’s when my interest turned into a real passion.

What inspires your artwork the most?
Nature inspires me a lot. The landscapes, trees, and bright colours I see around me often become part of my paintings. Sometimes I paint from what I see, and sometimes from what I imagine.

Which painting style do you enjoy the most?
I like both acrylic and watercolour paintings. Each has its own charm. Acrylic gives a bold look, while watercolour feels soft and peaceful to work with.

Have you participated in any competitions?
Yes, I’ve won awards in a few competitions, including a Master Art Competition. Winning those made me feel very encouraged to keep improving.

Tell us about your favourite artwork.
My favourite ones are realistic sketches and landscape paintings. They are inspired by nature and I love how colours bring them to life.

What challenges do you face while painting?
The most challenging part is working with watercolours. If you make a mistake or apply a dark shade, you can’t really fix it. It needs a lot of focus and patience.

Do you have a special time or place where you paint?
Yes, I usually paint in the evening when everything is quiet. That’s when I can fully concentrate. I paint at home and have a small collection of my artworks.

Apart from painting, what other interests do you have?
I like science — it’s my favourite subject after art. I also enjoy learning abacus and have won a few awards in it. I also have a YouTube Channel; it’s called Sharanya Shelar. I upload videos of my paintings, art and craft, and other creative work. It’s fun to share my art with others online.

Finally, what advice would you give to students who want to start painting?
Start with watercolours because they’re easy to learn and help you understand colour blending. Then, you can move to acrylics. And most importantly, paint with concentration and enjoy the process — that’s when your art truly shines.