A Moment with Sheila Arora

Tell us a little about how you found yourself painting and creating, even though you have a Business and Economics background?

I have always been creative. I grew up drawing and painting so art has always been a part of my life. I played the French horn in college and I used to do a lot of writing. I think both of those mediums, music and writing, have had an influence on my paintings. Painting is by far my favorite of all the creative arts and my primary form of artistic expression. In addition to being highly creative, I also have a strong analytical side. I have a degree in Economics from Princeton University and an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business. I currently work in Finance. I have always enjoyed logical thinking and working with numbers. The analytical side provides a nice balance to all the creative work.

What keeps you motivated to constantly create a large body of work?

I love painting and I have this strong desire to express myself creatively. I typically work in a series of paintings. For works on paper, this is around thirty pieces. I feel that there is a lot to explore within a series and you continue to find new elements as you create. I enjoy seeing the changes in my work throughout a series and how an idea can take on so many different forms. I also believe that creating a large body of work is one of the best ways to improve your painting skills.

What are some of your favorite things you have made to date?

My favorite series to date is a set of thirty 18x24” works on paper that I did last year. The idea behind this series was “reckless abandon”. I wanted each painting to have a sense of freedom. I love the energy that you can feel in each of these paintings, regardless if the color palette is bright or neutral. You can feel the joy that comes through the exploration of lines and marks. This series has a lot of variety while still maintaining a consistent theme.

What are some of your favorite tools, mediums and color palettes to work with?

I work in acrylics and use both heavy body and fluid paints. I also like to use acrylic inks and glazing medium to create transparent layers. I’m a natural mark-maker which means that I gravitate towards pencils, markers and crayons. My favorite mark-making tools are Neocolor crayons, oil pastels, ebony pencils and graphite sticks. My color palettes tend to be neutral with a pop of color. I use a wide range of colors to keep my work fresh.

What advice would you give to someone having trouble seeking the inspiration and drive to paint?

My advice would be to just start painting! It sounds simple, but starting is the most important part. Once you get going, then ideas will come as you paint. I also think that you can start with what you have. You don’t need the perfect mindset, space, time or supplies. All you need to do is show up and get started. It’s helpful to remember that it’s more about the process than the finished painting. If you consistently show up, you’ll see improvements in your work that will add up over time.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself in the next five years working on large canvas paintings for galleries. I am currently working on a series of large works on paper as I want to explore that scale. I also see myself sharing my work in publications such as magazines and doing interviews on podcasts about my painting process. I would like to continue to show my work as I make my way towards becoming a recognized artist.