About the Artwork: "Unspoken Words"
Every artwork tells a story, and for Pritha, "Unspoken Words" best represents her artistic voice. This oil painting captures the quiet simplicity of an unfinished letter being written, accompanied by the timeless beauty of a turquoise vase.
Through this work, she aimed to describe a narrative while celebrating the elegance of everyday objects.
The turquoise vase embodies peace, serenity, and a sense of timelessness, while the paper and pen invite viewers to interpret their own stories, leaving space for personal reflection and meaning. Together, they create a harmonious composition that speaks to both beauty and mystery.
Technique & Process:
Q&A with Pritha Bhadra
1. What drives your creative process?
As a representational artist, I create works in oil, graphite, and charcoal, blending the timeless beauty of realism with a contemporary perspective.
My creative journey begins with an emotional spark—a moment of connection with something that catches my eye and connects with me, whether it’s a scene in nature, a person’s expression, or even an ordinary object. There’s so much beauty and emotion in those moments, and that’s what drives my inspiration. Through my brushstrokes, colors, and a bit of experimentation, I strive to bring these stories to life. I find joy in representing the world as it appears and telling stories through it, grounding my work in the authenticity of the life we live.
I’m deeply inspired by the works of the great artists like William-Adolphe Bouguereau, Caravaggio, and Henry Fantin-Latour. I’m captivated by the way they weave stories through their art, their expressive brushstrokes, and their masterful use of color. Their timeless works continue to influence and guide me in my artistic journey.
2. Can you describe the moment you decided to pursue art?
I spent many years learning watercolor as a child, but eventually, I had to set it aside to focus on academics. I went on to complete my bachelor's and master's degrees and started working. Everything changed a couple of years ago (a few years pre Covid) during a trip to Russia. While accompanying my husband on a business trip, I visited the museums in St. Petersburg, where I saw the masterpieces of the old masters for the first time in person. I was completely awestruck by their work. I remember turning to my husband and saying, “I wish I could paint like that.” That moment really sparked something inside me.
When I returned to Singapore, I began to explore the vibrant local art scene here, and it felt like the universe was gently guiding me back to my childhood passion for drawing and painting. That’s where it all started, and since then, my artistic journey has been an ongoing adventure.
3. What do you hope people take away from your work?
Through my art, I want to highlight the simple yet profound beauty all around us—the little moments we often overlook. I want to share the stories and emotions tied to each subject, inviting viewers to connect with them on a deeper level. My hope is to take viewers on a journey of emotions and discovery, leaving them feeling inspired and connected to the world in a new way.
4. How do you approach challenges in your art practice?
Like any artist, I encounter challenges in my art practice nearly every day. Juggling a job and being a mother to a 7-year-old certainly adds to the complexity. There are times when work, home responsibilities or health take priority, making it difficult to focus on my art. But I’ve learned that it’s okay to take some short breaks.
There are also moments when a painting or drawing just isn’t coming together the way I imagined. In moments like these, when I feel overwhelmed or pressed for time, I often take a short break to clear my mind. After a day or two, I usually come back to the piece with a fresh perspective, and most of the time, it helps. And if it doesn’t, I simply restart. I’ve realized that it’s okay to experience setbacks, and it’s perfectly fine to begin again when things aren’t working. It's a process of experimentation and learning from mistakes.
5. What materials or tools inspire you most?
I primarily work with oil paints for my paintings and use graphite and charcoal for my drawings. When it comes to oil painting, I find working on canvas and panels to be the most inspiring. I’m quite particular about the materials I use, especially the quality of my paints and brushes. I also like to prepare my own panels for painting. For my art supplies there are various brands I prefer for specific materials e.g. Michael Harding, Rosemary brushes etc. Having the choice is great, as I can always find what I need.
6. How do you define success in your art journey?
For me, success in art means a lot of different things. It’s when someone tells me they’ve deeply connected with my work—that feeling is priceless. It’s also the personal fulfilment and joy I get from creating something that feels meaningful to me. Success is about building connections too—being part of the art community here in Singapore and having a supportive network of fellow artists. It’s also about staying true to who I am as an artist, while gaining recognition for my work along the way.
At the end of the day, I think success for me isn’t a final destination—it’s a journey. It’s about embracing the ups and downs, celebrating the little wins, and continuing to create with passion and purpose.
About the Artist:
Pritha Bhadra is a representational artist based in Singapore. Her realism paintings focus on daily life, encompassing florals, portraits and still life compositions.
Growing up in a small town nestled in the Himalayan foothills in India, the surrounding people and nature inspired her from an early age. She eventually started drawing and painting before focusing on a degree in biotechnology. During her years of education, she continued to find joy in engaging in art during her free time, as well as immersing herself in reading about art.
Graduating with a Masters degree in Biotechnology, she eventually moved to Singapore about 15 years later, where her love for art rekindled by the city’s dynamic art scene and supportive community – which provided her with encouragement to pursue her vision.
Ever since, Pritha Bhadra’s acclaimed artworks have gained recognition in competitions held by international art magazines and organizations like Plein Air Salon international magazine, Almenara Art Prize, Arts to Hearts Project, and can be found in private collections in Singapore and India.
Discover more of Pritha Bhadra’s work at prithaartworks.com.