iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 25/09/2026

I love painting a gentle nude where the woman is existing in her own world without asking for anyone’s permission or approval to just be. This one is inspired by sangam poetry and is called “her beautiful shoulders sway like bamboo.” #sangampoetry #oilpainting #figurativeart #carpet

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 15/09/2026

Last weekend when I was in Pittsburgh, I met up with a friend who modeled for me. this time I’m inspired by new kingdom love poetry from ancient Egypt, titled “The Land Lights Up with Her Beauty” #art #newkingdomegypt #dawn #wildflowers

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

This is named after dhushyanta explaining in kalidasa’s shakuntala that the ache he feels is “Perhaps it is what survives of loves from other lives” The background is inspired by ajanta. The central figure embodies the love carried through many lives. #art #ajanta #shakuntala

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 04/09/2026

I wanted to put the focus on the flower and play with colour because that made me feel like not just the flower was in bloom but life itself.“The Steppe Seemed to Burst into Bloom as if It Were Spring” #kyrgyzstan🇰🇬 #25daysofminis #portraitart #flowerstagram #oilpainter

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 02/09/2026

It’s that time of year again! Time to get started on my minis. This time I’m painting things inspired by quotes from works I’ve read or am interested in. This one is inspired by “the little prince” and is called “all grown ups were once children” #art #thelittleprince #nocturne

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 27/08/2026

I think in a few days it will be done. It is taking so long and I’m still undecided on what I will do once I fully make the figure on the right recede. So I sand it? Leave it? Not sure just yet. #art #ajanta #saree #kalidasa #indianart

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 20/07/2026

My newest painting “waiting” 9x12 is a smaller study for a larger painting. It was lovely to get started with a project I’ve been meaning to paint for a while. #apsara #art #oilpainting #india #saree #jewelry

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 08/07/2026

Want to come check out my art this weekend? Swing by booth 160 at art fair on the square in Madison Wisconsin this weekend. #artfair #dmvartist #madison #artfaironthesquare #artshow

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 07/06/2026

If you want to come say hi and check out my work, be sure to swing by booth 179 at the 3 rivers arts festival in Pittsburgh PA. Today is my last day. #pittsburgh #artshow #virginiaartist #indianartist

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 04/06/2026

Indian maximalism is a thing of beauty and I wanted to echo that in this painting, from the walls to the windows, there is always something ornate. Oil on board “afternoon melody” #art #maximalism #music #indianartist #lehenga #jewelry

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 15/05/2026

I’ll be in at the Rehoboth beach arts festival in grove park in lewes, DE tomorrow. It’s a one day show so be sure to check out my booth if you’re in the area. #art #rehoboth #painting #show

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 14/05/2026

Here’s an update after a much needed vacation of my latest painting. The gold is taking its own sweet time. #art #india #sitar #music

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 04/05/2026

Here she is done! Evening apsara, oil on board 24 x 36 inches.

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 02/05/2026

If you're in Richmond, va, check out my booth at the arts in the park festival in Byrd Park. I will be in booth 101 today from 11 -6 and tomorrow from 11-5. Come say hi! #artist #art #richmond #artfair #painting

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 22/04/2026

Here's an update on my latest painting. She's taking her own sweet time and I'm hopeful she'll be done in a day or so. #apsara #art #indianart #lotus #nature #sunset

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 06/04/2026

I had done a mini past December called "vesna in the field" depicting vesna, a Slavic goddess. And I kept wanting to explore it on a larger scale. So this is my interpretation on a larger scale. "Blossom of youth" #Slavic #goddess #mythology #art #painting

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 03/04/2026

I had to change the background and liking it so much more now. I only changed it on the right. Tomorrow will work on the left. #art #painting #russia #Slavic #Ukraine

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 02/04/2026

Another day another update. It's larger than my usual work and a lot of details are there so it's taking its own sweet time. #Slavic #art #indianart #Europe #painting

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 31/03/2026

This painting is much bigger than what I usually paint so it's taking its own sweet time. #art #russia #Slavic #nature #flowers

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 17/03/2026

Finally finished one from my "almost done" pile. Now she's really done. 16 x 20 inches, oil on cradled board. "Geisha with fans" #Geisha #dance #art #japan

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 12/03/2026

One session left. I got rid of the tiara because I felt like flowers went beter with everything. #art #tutu #dancer #flower #ballet #ballerina

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 11/03/2026

Work in progress. I changed the colour of the dress she was wearing because I felt like it didn't bring out her skin tones. The pinks and t he reds and oranges have so much life. Still some while to do but she's taking shape don't you think? #ballerina #art #dancer

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 26/01/2026

I had a tkr 2 weeks ago and I'm just getting around to being able to paint for little periods. The brief periods I get to paint give me so much joy. I made a makeshift studio and the lighting isn't great for taking photos but this will have to do. #art #japan #kimono #geisha #workinprogress

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 07/01/2026

Here she is done! I wanted to create something with a very old world charm. I was reading Kalidasa's Rtusamhara and wanted something poetic for the title so I am calling this painting "the arrival of spring" #art #lehenga #indianart #jewelry

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 01/01/2026

Found some old melgip lying in my studio, unopened. So I opened it on new year's and started glazing. Will be glazing down some of the lighter values when it's dry. #art #lehenga #indianart

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 24/12/2025

Mini 24: Call of the Siren I wanted blend Asian and European myths regarding mermaids. In Asian cultures, the myths about mermaids often blend local beliefs about the sea, spirits, and transformation. link to purchase: tinyurl.com/2uw65k6p #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 23/12/2025

MINI 23: A moment in time This mini is inspired by my visit to Turkey. Link to painting: tinyurl.com/eej25xbv #art #dervish

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 22/12/2025

Mini 22: a walk in the garden This painting isn't particularly inspired by a single character or person. It however is inspired by the myriad of C-dramas I watch that romanticize a stroll int he garden in medieval China. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/5n6pmemk #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 21/12/2025

Mini 21: Tilottama in red In this mini, we visit Tilottama dancing. She was supposed to have been an exquisite dancer who could stop the world with her skills in dance. I wanted to catch her mid movement. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/32wnr9yb #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 19/12/2025

Showing off a painting with the wonderful rose. Thank you! #art #artlife #virginiaartist

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 18/12/2025

Mini 18: unguarded warrior In this painting I wanted to revisit Queen Moremi. Here, she is holding a spear yet looking softly captures her strength and grace. Link to purchase tinyurl.com/y87hxr8z #art #nigeria

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 17/12/2025

Mini 17: a quick look Again we visit Ambapalika. Because she was supposed to be so beautiful, I chose a circular canvas for this mini. I felt it highlighted the face. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/y558bd4u #art #india

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 16/12/2025

Mini 16: the dancing girl A few years ago, I saw a vintage image, dated to the late 1800s, of a nautch girl dancing for the Amir or Afghanistan. That inspired this mini Link to purchase tinyurl.com/yx43ukab #art #bellydancer

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 15/12/2025

Mini 15: ambapalika waiting Amrapali was supposed to be the most beautiful woman in the world and ended up as a royal courtesan. I wanted to show her still being a strong player who steered her life as best as she could. Link to painting: tinyurl.com/2ct89adw #india #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 14/12/2025

Mini 14: fiercely beautiful For this mini is of Tomoe Gozen. She was "a remarkably strong archer, and as a swordswoman, she was a warrior worth a thousand, ready to confront a demon or a god, mounted or on foot." Link: tinyurl.com/y87hxr8z #art #oilpainting #Japan #asia

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 13/12/2025

Mini 13: no less than a man My brother serves as the inspiration for this mini. He told me about The Tale of the Heike, where a very fierce woman warrior was described as being no less than a man. Link to purchase tinyurl.com/4f3fke7a #art #Japanese #painting #kimono

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 12/12/2025

Mini 12: Phosop At an event, I met a Thai lady wearing a traditional dress and had to paint her. I depicted her as Phosop, the Thai goddess of rice and fertility. I wanted the painting to feel soft, sacred, and tender. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/ywnu889r #Thailand #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 11/12/2025

Mini 11: Samurai mask Samurai masks are beautiful. They were worn not only to intimidate and to protect but also for ceremonial purposes. This samurai mask may not inspire fear, the painting holds the spirit of a warrior. Link to purchase tinyurl.com/zkh4npa9 #art #japan

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 10/12/2025

Mini 10: Othello A collection of paintings inspired by literature, stories and cultures from around the world is empty without a piece inspired by Shakespeare. So I wanted to show the depth Othello shows throughout the play. Link to purchase tinyurl.com/umkp3nzk #art #shakespeare #Othello

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 09/12/2025

Mini 9: Enchanting Eyes I watched Kingdom of heaven many years ago and I remember Eva Green's character had the most beautiful jewelry. I loved the costuming. This painting is my interpretation of the jewelry. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/y87hxr8z #art #middleeast

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 08/12/2025

Mini 6: aphrodite in pink I've always loved Sappho's poem "Ode to Aphrodite" where Sappho implores Aphrodite to come to her and not let her be in misery. This mini is inspired by that poem. Link to painting tinyurl.com/5xb2xt7m #art #aphrodite #ancientrome

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 07/12/2025

We are into our 8th mini! This one is called "the samurai" What more needs to be said about samurais? They are a legend in their own right so I decided to paint them for the minis this year. Link to purchase tinyurl.com/y87hxr8z #art #samurai #japan

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 06/12/2025

Mini 6: the dogon dancer Their spirituality and stories of the Dogon people of Mali sounded fascinating so I decided to paint a Dogon dance ritual for the minis. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/ypnbhve9 #Africa #mali #dogon #figurativeart #oilpainter #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 05/12/2025

Mini 5: The warrior queen I love a good story about a warrior queen. So of course I had to paint queen Moremi, a legendary Yoruba queen who was renowned for her bravery and sacrifice. Link to purchase tinyurl.com/y87hxr8z #art #yoruba #moremi #Nigeria

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 04/12/2025

Mini 4: Anahita was the ancient Persian goddess of water, fertility, and wisdom. The winged and horned lion in the background and the flower motifs are inspired by the sculptures from Persepolis. link : tinyurl.com/38hv4bd2 #oilpainting #anahita #perpepolis #Iran

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 03/12/2025

Mini 3: Here, I took inspiration from Ovid's Erisichton, who was cursed by a dryad because he cut down sacred trees. In this mini, the dryad has a wreath of flowers on her head and is standing by the tree she embodies. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/y8fwn24m #25daysofminis #art

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 02/12/2025

For this mini, i painted the Vesna, who was an ancient Slavic goddess of spring, youth and life. She is often depicted as a young woman holding flowers. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/3d8xv4ee #christmasgift #art #Russian #slavicmyth

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 01/12/2025

My first mini is here! This mini is dedicated to Queen Dido of Carthage. Instead of throwing herself into the pyre after Aeneas leaves, she redefines happiness after heartbreak. Oil on board, 8 x 8 inches. Link to purchase: tinyurl.com/m4b3r4th #art #aeneid #rome

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Art by Lakshmi @artbylakshmi.bsky.social · 22/11/2025

"Blue mirror" 16 x 20. Oils in the different pigments dry in their own way. I have to wait a good while before I can bring it to life with a glossy varnish. Until then, here she is. Oil on cradled board. #art #artwork #thaidance #dancer #asia #thailand #jewelry

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