Today we’d like to introduce you to Ritu Kumar.
Ritu, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I am a self-trained artist, born and raised in India. I started painting as a child, started with color pencils & water colors. I think it was in 5th or 6th grade when my art teacher in school started noticing my work and started recommending my name to represent school for various art competitions. Few awards came my way, which encouraged me to improve and work harder. I received a lot of support from my parents, my father will get my paintings framed, did not matter how good they were. One trophy that still proudly has a place in my parents’ house is the one that I received in a national level art competition for being top three child artist for creativity and storytelling. But then came high school and college, and the pressure of higher education (as that was always the priority in Indian household), painting took the backseat and before I realized, was done with my Masters in Environmental Science. I would paint or sketch every now and then, but nothing major.
I was lucky to get another chance when I got married and moved to United States of America with my spouse and with his encouragement, I started painting again but mostly for our own use and for close friends, some of these friends suggested to start my studio & go commercial. My spouse & I discussed and RituHandmadeArts was born. My love for painting also became my small business. Thanks to the advent of e-commerce platforms like Etsy.com and social media platforms like Facebook, twitter & Instagram, I now have reasonably successful studio. It has been challenging yet fascinating journey and gives me so much joy that my paintings are adorning the walls of 100s of homes, restaurants & commercial establishment. If I must sum up, I am just an artist, following her dreams!!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
As I mentioned before , it has been fascinating yet challenging specially managing personal & professional life, As a mother of two school going children and my husband has to travel quite a bit for work, finding time to paint and focus on my work has been a constant struggle. But thanks to the support of my husband, who plays so many unofficial roles – studio manager, shipper, marketer and my in house critic — 🙂 , that I have been able to continue doing what I love most.
Also in the age of online art galleries & stores that have taken over the local galleries, the art market has become very competitive and selling art a real challenge. I am happy that I have someone like my husband at home, who always finds a way to keep me upbeat, his mantra of “focus on quality, commercial success will follow” helps get past these challenges.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
My business RituHandmadeArts is an art studio based out of Little Elm, TX a NW Dallas suburb. My specialty is painting on canvas, using variety of mediums like Acrylic & Oil and techniques like impasto, fluid art, texturing etc. I have painted so many different styles like Abstract, Contemporary, Landscape and Indian ethnic & their modern interpretations.
I also offer, custom painting service, and surprisingly most of my sold work has been custom. As part of this process I work with buyers, understand their needs like existing decor, location rooms, sometimes visit their homes as well and provide my recommendation. As I start painting – work with them every step of the way, share my sketches, progress etc. All through the process. This is such satisfying experience.
I always sketch before I start painting, this add more work on my end, but I think that sets me apart from many other artists, but helps get the painting right.
What were you like growing up?
I grew up in a large joint family and extended family back in India and it wall all fun and huge impact on my personality as I like to be around friends & family. I loved painting, also participated in many sports at school & college level. Some of the experiences and observations also get reflected in my some of my work.
Now I like to travel, see & experience new places, cultures and cuisines and find inspirations for my new painting.
Contact Info:
- Address: RituHandmadeArts
2544 Playa Del Mar Dr
Little Elm, Tx 75068 - Website: https://www.etsy.com/shop/RituHandmadeArts
- Phone: 9728220339
- Email: WILORITU@GMAIL.COM
- Instagram: https://www.Instagram.com/Rituhandmadearts
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Rituhandmadearts
- Other: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCGVqBQ1U8SK4sl2hDkdGh5g
Image Credit:
Kumar Family
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