In Conversation with Komal Sharma

For our first artist interview, I’m delighted to introduce Komal Sharma—an emerging still-life painter whose work gently celebrates the mindful presence of animals in our everyday lives. Known especially for her evocative depictions of dogs in calm, domestic settings, Komal’s paintings feel both personal and deeply relatable.

Trained in architecture, Komal approaches her art with a strong sense of composition and detail. Her work reflects a quiet observation of her subjects, capturing not just their form, but their serene, grounding energy—an invitation for viewers to pause and live in the moment.

                               

My inspiration comes from the reminders we get from our surroundings to stay present in the moment. I’m especially inspired by animals, because they naturally live in the present without overthinking. I don’t believe we always need creative motivation — a great artist once advised me to simply keep painting, whether the work turns out good or bad. I’m also a fan of Andy Warhol, and I love his idea that while people are busy criticizing your art, you should just keep making more of it.

I usually begin by noticing an animal that captures my attention. From there, I either keep its natural surroundings or place it in an interior setting that evokes a sense of awareness and presence. Sometimes the power comes from the juxtaposition of the subject, and other times it’s from blending elements together in a more seamless way.

In terms of technique, I start with a warm base layer to create a bright, inviting atmosphere. Then I slowly build up layers of colour, letting the painting evolve gradually. I finish by adding an outline — something I believe is always there in reality, even if our naked eyes don’t naturally see it.

                       

I prefer working with acrylics because they’re so forgiving. They give me a sense of freedom and take me back to my childhood, when I wasn’t trying to make a painting beautiful — I was simply painting for the sake of painting. I love oils as well and have spent a lot of time working with them, but in this phase of my practice, acrylics are what I’m truly in love with.

I feel my style is still evolving. I started with realistic painting, then moved into abstraction, and now I’ve become much freer in my approach. Being a self‑taught artist has its advantages — I’m not bound by ideas of what’s “right” or “wrong.” What matters to me is that a style should reflect who you are and the phase of life you’re moving through. The work should exist as art first, before it’s placed into any category or style.                                   

                                   

I explore animals in my work because they bring me into the present moment. We have so much to learn from them — they live free from the constant mental noise we experience. It’s important for me to reflect that sense of awareness in my art, because I don’t always know how to explain it in words. As an artist, painting is the way I share this understanding with my viewers.

More than any specific style, I’m drawn to the exploration behind the art and the process each artist goes through. Anthony Lister, the Sydney‑based artist, is one of those influences — I was lucky enough to meet him and even assist with one of his exhibitions. I also deeply admire Frida Kahlo’s artistic process and the honesty she brought to her work.

My experience as an Australian artist has been wonderful. People here — especially in Melbourne — genuinely love and appreciate art. They respond to colour, they visit galleries, and there’s a real culture of engaging with creativity. I’ve felt so supported as an emerging artist, and I’m absolutely in love with being part of this community.

                                 

My biggest challenge was that I never formally studied art. I studied architecture, so I had no real understanding of how the art world worked. Galleries often choose work based on trends or what’s considered relevant at the moment. But I always knew I could paint, and when I started teaching at a paint‑and‑sip studio, it gave me confidence. It reminded me that art doesn’t need to follow trends or rely on complicated language — it simply needs to make people feel something. I overcame this challenge by becoming one with the process and trusting my own path as an artist.

I would pass on the same advice I received — just keep painting. Unlike many other fields, art doesn’t require a rigid direction; it requires your full awareness.

I am currently exploring Australian animals in my work. During my Master’s thesis in architecture, I studied koalas extensively while designing a sanctuary for them. Now, I’d like to continue that exploration through my art.

My future plan for my art career is to continue creating more work and to exhibit internationally.

Komal Sharma’s practice is a gentle yet powerful reminder to slow down, observe, and remain present. Through her paintings, she offers viewers a quiet space of awareness — one that reflects not only the stillness of animals, but also the freedom that comes from trusting one’s own creative path. To discover more of Komal Sharma’s artwork and follow her ongoing practice, visit the links below and explore her world of mindful, animal-inspired paintings.

Explore Komal Sharma’s artwork

Follow Komal Sharma On Instagram

 

If you enjoyed this interview, consider sharing it with fellow art lovers or following both artists to stay connected with their creative journeys. This interview is part of the Artist Interviews series on Alpana Rai Arts, where we celebrate artists and creative journeys from Australia and beyond.