Ananda describes his style as impressionism with a touch of surrealism. His work often begins with something rooted in nature—a tree, a mountain, or a scene from a recent trip—then evolves into something more whimsical and dreamlike. Music is a constant source of inspiration, too. At home, Ananda plays guitar while his two sons play piano, filling the house with melodies that often find their way into his brushstrokes. “I like to add surreal elements that give the artwork a magical look,” he says.

Like many independent artists, Ananda has faced challenges in presenting his work. Without a professional studio or large display budgets, he often paints from a corner of his home office. Yet his persistence and patience shine through. “I believe in persistence,” he says with a smile. “With time, I’ll build the resources I need.”

For Ananda, one of the most rewarding moments came at his very first art fair booth in Newcastle, WA. “I didn’t expect to sell anything—I was just there to learn,” he admits. “But two of my paintings, including a large one, sold. I was so excited I called my wife in India in the middle of the night to share the news!” Recently, Ananda has drawn inspiration from family vacations, including trips to New Orleans and the Canadian Rockies. He’s currently working on a series that captures those landscapes, while also creating commissioned pieces for collectors.