A finance professional by day and an artist by night, Ameetha George of The Artsy Space has turned her personal passion into a creative initiative.

Apple Sharma caught up with the self-taught artist to explore how her journey has evolved from learning into teaching, encouraging others to connect with themselves one brushstroke at a time.

fact: You’re a Chartered Accountant by profession. When and how did your connection with art first begin?
AG: My connection with art began very early in life. I was around four years old when my aunt first introduced me to the world of colours and painting. What started as simple childhood curiosity soon turned into a deep love for creative expression.
Growing up, I would often spend my summer vacations attending short-term art classes, which allowed me to explore different techniques and deepen my appreciation for art and colour. However, as life progressed into more competitive academic years and eventually into building a career, family and other responsibilities, my creative pursuits gradually took a back seat.
It was during the COVID period that this passion was rekindled. With more time to reflect and reconnect with personal interests, I began painting again and used that time to refine my skills. Since then, I have been creating consistently, exploring different mediums and styles, and rediscovering the joy that art has always brought into my life. I felt really honoured when some of my paintings were chosen to be part of Workart Workshops Annual Exhibition 2024 and 2025 in Bahrain.

fact: How would you describe your personal art style and which medium do you usually dabble in?
AG: While I love doing portraits (realistic/abstract/colourful), my style leans towards contemporary and expressive, often inspired by travel, architecture, nature and moments from everyday life. I enjoy working with oil, acrylics and watercolours. Acrylics are very forgiving and allow me to explore bold colour and texture, while watercolours bring a softer, more fluid and meditative quality to the work. I enjoy moving between these mediums depending on the mood and the story I want to express.

fact: What inspired you to launch The Artsy Space, and what were you hoping to create for Bahrain’s art community?
AG: The first seed of The Artsy Space was planted quite organically during the Eid break in 2024, when I invited a few close friends over to my home for a casual sip-and-paint session. What began as a relaxed gathering among friends quickly turned into something much more meaningful. I saw how art can naturally bring people together and create space for conversation, laughter and connection. Everyone was surprised by what they were able to create, and the joy in the room was truly inspiring. Encouraged by that moment, I went on to host my first official Fall Inspired paint party in September 2024 at a cosy restaurant in Saar. With The Artsy Space, my aim has been to create welcoming, pressure-free and thoughtfully curated experiences where anyone, regardless of skill level, can slow down, reconnect with themselves and explore their artistic side.

fact: Your paint parties welcome people of all levels. What does a typical session look like?
AG: Most people today lead busy lives and do not always have the luxury of spending long hours on a hobby. Keeping this in mind, I design my paint parties to be completed within two to three hours, including short breaks. The idea is to create a relaxing yet fulfilling experience that fits comfortably into a participant’s schedule.
During the session, I guide everyone through a step-by-step painting process, so even complete beginners can follow along with ease. I usually work with acrylic paints, as they are fast drying and allow participants to complete a beautiful piece within the session itself. By the end of the workshop, each guest leaves with a finished artwork that they can proudly take home.

fact: How do you help beginners in your classes overcome the intimidation of a blank canvas?
AG: Since many people feel intimidated by a blank canvas, I often prepare a light base sketch on the canvas beforehand. This helps participants feel more confident and ensures the experience remains enjoyable and stress-free. The themes are often seasonal or decorative, so the finished artwork can become a lovely addition to a wall at home or even be gifted to someone special.

fact: Can painting be learnt by anyone with practice, or do you think some level of natural ability is essential?
AG: I truly believe that painting can be learnt by anyone. Like any skill, it develops with practice, patience and guidance. Natural ability might influence how quickly someone picks up certain techniques, but creativity itself is something everyone possesses. Often people simply need the right encouragement and environment to rediscover it.

fact: You also run online classes. How do these work, and what can participants expect from the experience?
AG: Online classes allow people from different parts of the world to join from the comfort of their homes while still experiencing the sense of painting together as a group. Participants receive a list of materials beforehand, and during the session I guide them through the painting step by step. Even though it’s virtual, it still creates a shared creative moment where participants can relax, learn new techniques and enjoy the process of painting.

fact: Your recent watercolour session on Zoom, A Gentle Pause, created a space for people to refocus and recharge through art. Do you have any similar initiatives coming up soon?
AG: The response to ‘A Gentle Pause’ was very encouraging and reminded me how powerful simple creative moments can be, offering a small but meaningful pause in the middle of busy or stressful times. I will continue running similar sessions in April and May as well. Most of my online sessions are workshops intended to introduce techniques of painting with a medium, such as watercolour or acrylic paints.

fact: For someone who has never picked up a brush before, what advice would you give to help them get started?
AG: My advice would be to simply begin without worrying about perfection. Many people carry a mental block about painting because they haven’t touched paints and brushes since their school days. Over time, this creates the feeling that art is something reserved only for the ‘talented’.
Attending a paint party or a guided art workshop can be a wonderful way to overcome this initial apprehension. When you paint in a relaxed, supportive environment, it helps remove that invisible barrier and you quickly realise that creating art is far more accessible than you imagined. Once someone completes their very first painting, the sense of accomplishment often inspires them to continue exploring art further.

fact: Which artists, local or international, do you admire the most and why?
AG: The impressionist master Claude Monet inspires me with his ability to capture light, atmosphere and fleeting moments in nature. The bright palette of Vincent Van Gogh seen in The Starry Night and Sunflowers has also influenced my style of art. Closer to home, I deeply admire the legendary Indian painter Raja Ravi Varma, whose work beautifully blends classical European techniques with Indian themes and storytelling. In Bahrain, the work of the renowned Bahraini artist Abbas Al Mosawi has inspired me with its vibrant colours, boldness and strong cultural influences. I have also been fortunate to learn from mentors in Bahrain, such as Irina Kotova and Ana Sfeir, whose guidance helped shape my artistic journey and deepened my understanding of technique and creative expression. ✤

GO: WHATSAPP 3908 4187 OR FOLLOW @ARTSY_SPACE_BH ON INSTAGRAM FOR MORE INFORMATION.