SANGEETHA GOPALAKRISHNAN

I’m a plein air painter based in Southern California, specializing in oil paints. After 19 years as an electrical engineer designing complex chips and leading projects, I embraced my creative calling to paint full-time, using my problem-solving skills in new ways. I discovered my passion for art only a couple of years ago, but life’s unexpected paths often lead us exactly where we need to be. My upbringing in the lush tropical Kerala in South India has deeply influenced my love for nature.

My art is a tribute to the landscapes that shape us—the trails we wander, the peaks that call us higher, the open skies that remind us to breathe. As a plein air painter, I capture these places firsthand and raw. But nature is changing with wildfires, development, and climate shifts. My work preserves what cannot always remain, offering a connection to the wild. Created with sustainable, non-toxic materials, my paintings are more than art; they are a statement—of love for the earth, of urgency, of belonging. In a world drowning in mass-produced decor, my art is timeless, soulful, and created to be treasured—not tossed, and it speaks to a life well-lived, close to the land.

Beyond my work as an artist, I am deeply passionate about enabling women explore wilderness areas, discover outdoor activities, and connect with like-minded adventurers. In 2019, I founded a women’s outdoors group, which has since grown into a vibrant community of over 1,000 members. While my group enables the community to explore the outdoors, my art helps to bring a piece of the outdoors into people’s spaces.

Do you wish to artfully memorialize a special moment? Then contact me, and I will take care of it!

FAQ:

Why do you prefer oil paints? :

Oil paint is just pigment + linseed oil, a very pure medium. I love how smooth, shiny, and creamy the texture is. It gives each painting its own character. The best part is that they take a while to dry, so I have more time to play around with the paint and experiment with different strokes. Oils are also considered highly archival, ie the artwork lasts a very long time. 

Why is your art business certified by state of California as a Green Business, and why should your collectors care?

It is for my eco-conscious, non-toxic and low-impact art-making process. Collectors receive art made with health, sustainability, and longevity in mind.

  • You receive paintings created without toxic chemicals used commonly in modern art-making—no Gamsol, harsh varnishes and mediums, no carcinogenic heavy-metal-based paints like Cadmium, Cobalt, Lead, etc

  • I try to reuse materials as much as possible at every stage to avoid unnecessary waste.

  • Natural varnishing, repurposed rags and thoughtful disposal of waste reduces impact on the planet.

  • With a focus on water conservation and a commitment to reduce, reuse, and recycle, every piece supports a greener future.

Where is your next adventure for art inspiration to?:

You will get to hear all about it through my regular art letters. Get them below.