Krishna Mitra

Artist Statement

“I perhaps owe having become a painter to flowers” - Monet
I discovered acrylics while taking a class with Jim Caldwell. I was immediately drawn to its vivid colors and its non-toxic quality. Jim introduced me to the concept of using a limited color palette. It has become my preferred palette, with 6 colors and white. With that palette I find that I can mix any color I want. I love painting both in my studio and in plein air (though Plein-Air painting in acrylic can be a real challenge). I enjoy trying to capture the changing light, shadows and reflections. I am drawn to bold colors and dramatic compositions of everyday objects.

Monet’s statement captures what draws me to paint. Like Monet, I am an avid gardener and I am inspired to paint the colors and shapes I see in my garden. The floral series was inspired by my garden. The yellow iris painting started the series. Last spring I returned from a trip to see the magnolia in the front covered in blooms (“Betty in Bloom” paintings). Of course, once I saw the poppies at Filoli I was reminded of Georgia O’Keefe. The “Filoli Poppy” is my homage to her.

The landscape series started with “Spring Blooms in my Garden”. While I was at a Plein-Air workshop in Santa Maria studying with Marcia Burtt I developed a fascination with the gold hills and canyons that are typical of the California landscape..