Soni's paintings capture moments that express a contemplative vibe. There's a sense of connection between the environment & the subject's inner world and a curious combination of stillness and intensity. Rich, saturated colours enhance the depth of mood.
Using both oils and acrylics on various sized canvases, and painting in a variety of genres - primarily portraiture, figurative and landscape, Soni's painting style could be described as representative and loose. Her mark making style varies across pieces which may appear both smooth and slightly textured in sections.
Painting inspiration is hard to predict. People, places, objects, colour, light conditions, & sometimes even words or dreams can motivate a painting. Recalling a memory, or a feeling at a moment in time are especially motivating. Soni often takes photos when one or more of these inspirartions occur to possibly use as a reference later. I immediately know when I want to try to represent these images in a painting.
Soni's figurative paintings carry stories of inner life. Central figures are relational to their surroundings, and while an ‘other’ exists in the scene, they are on their own – in an emotional sense. That is the human experience – we have inner worlds. To Soni, that is a fascinating subject.
Soni loves the process of creating. Usually that involves mapping out the design and composing a rough under-drawing on the prepared canvas. Focussing on values first in the underpainting is integral to the process, then laying down paint loosely using larger brushes and continuing to layer paint, working towards a resolution with smaller, finer marks.
Soni enjoys the science and art of mixing colour to create the perfect colours for her paintings. Generally mixing only from primary colours with a limited palette, she produces a harmonious combination of colour on the canvas.
The evolution of a painting through its many stages may last for hours, days or weeks. The sense of anticipation when a painting comes together is so addictive.