Signed Acrylic Painting of Woman with Peacocks 'Parineeta' Item ID: 2669889500

"I was born and brought up in Delhi where I did all my schooling. Since childhood, I have always been keen on painting and the creative arts. I also participated in a lot of painting competitions while in school. Playing with color gives me freedom to be with myself, to be free from boundaries and to express my true feelings. It's a great joy!

"After graduation, I took a number of vocational courses like interior designing, stained glass, Tanjore painting, then oil and acrylic painting from well a known artist — Sunil Jaiswal [a Novica-featured painter]. I am so happy to do be doing what I am doing.

"I am a very friendly person. I love making new friends and sharing my thoughts and ideas with them. My friends tell me that I'm a very warm and helpful person. Some say I'm little moody at times and some say I am a daring woman. Thinking of it, I remember a funny experience that I had as a child. Once, I went to my brother's friend's house with a toy knife to kill him because he had a fight with my brother. Funny, it was his birthday and there were many guests in his house, but I entered very bravely and said I want to kill him. Everyone was laughing at my innocence and, of course, now I laugh about it too.

"No one is perfect in this world. All of us face some difficult times in life but, when we overcome a problem, we become experienced, and that leads us toward perfection. Life is a battlefield for me, but my experiences had taught me to live the day, live the moment. Whenever I feel low, I see people who have more problems than I do. Then I feel better about myself. I feel blessed. Love people and you will be fulfilled with it, as you will receive more and more blessings.

"My favorite thing about my art is my love for it when I am painting. I feel as though I were meditating and, once the painting is completed, it gives an immense happiness. However at times, when there is an exhibition and a deadline, finishing the work on time becomes a challenge. But this challenge becomes my strength.

"Nature is my best source of inspiration. The colors of the sky, of birds, flowers and peacocks inspire me. The love in my heart inspires me. Lord Shiva and Krishna give me inspiration.

"In the future, I dream of opening a gallery that can be a platform for upcoming artists. Art is worship for me.

"I am a homebody and when I am not working, I love to devote my time to my family, to cook and take care of our home."

Neelam Gupta has exhibited her work in a number of India venues.