I Paint My Dreams...
From Imagination to Canvas - The Luminous Journey of Anju' Desai's Creativity
The Story Behind My Art
I am an artist at heart. I realised this when I was around 22 years old. Before that, I was confused about who I was. I was singing and dancing on the stage, performing in the theatre. Plus I had a thriving graphic and printing business. A lot was happening, and then I started identifying myself as an artist. Even the aura of others changed. When you say you are a graphic designer or a theatre actress, people don’t feel as connected. And connection is pretty important for me. Saying I am an artist made me feel at peace.
I started drawing at age 4 or 5. I had immense mental support to embarrass my art from school and my parents. When I arrived in New Zealand, I was truly gobsmacked by the natural beauty. The winter months here are perfect to lift my mood with colours. It is the best meditation I have found. In many winter months, I would paint, sing and dance between the paint drying. Can anything be better than this? That’s what I used to think.
Explore this creative hub and give me a call if you wish to learn, collaborate or see the artworks in person.
My Artistic Journey
An artist who is deeply inspired by the world’s natural beauty and feels privileged to be part of this beautiful land of New Zealand, a land with boundless possibilities for creators. From the smallest grass stem to vast mountains, nature really makes me who I am as an artist. A simple glimpse from a window—even on a rainy day—can spark the desire to sketch and paint. Art is meditation and therapy for me.
Artistry on the Canvas of Life: I began drawing at the age of 4, and discovered watercolours at 12. My art teacher’s encouragement made me explore various styles, enrol in the art exams, and experiment with new art mediums. My first original painting, titled Me, symbolised my imaginative world. Known as Kalakar in school, I explored various art forms like writing, dance, theatre, and singing. At 18, I chose painting as my lifelong passion.
Art as Meditation: Art connects me to my soul; it gives me inner calmness and clarity. My arty backpack is always with me when I travel. Letting me observe and absorb more before I start creating. At any difficult time in my life, painting watercolour greetings helped me to heal and reconnect. The meditative art course is available to rejuvenate.
Exploring the Canvas of New Zealand: New Zealand has become my creative playground, with its breathtaking landscapes and vibrant colours. It inspired me to explore acrylic paints, and I also had the opportunity to start selling them in New Zealand through my studio and display opportunities. In 2006, I decided to travel solo with my watercolour backpack — the beginning of a creative freedom that remains at the core of my work today.
A Reflection of My Mind: Photography became a tool to capture colours and lights, as painting outdoors was not possible many times. The stunning landscapes of New Zealand blew my mind and that inspired my photography. A few of them I translated into vibrant paintings.
The Art of Collaboration: I believe in the power of shared artistic experiences. If you’re an artist, art gallery, or art admirer, let’s explore the possibilities of creating and exhibiting together. Get in touch to create new arty connections or join the art classes to explore this beautiful hobby.
Thank you for joining me on this journey. Explore my gallery, and share your passion with me for art and nature.
Let’s paint the world with creativity and inspiration, one brushstroke at a time.
With warm regards.
Anju Desai
Gallery of My Recent Work
Experience, Exhibitions, Education and Training
Early Accomplishments:
- National State Art Exhibition – First Award (3 Years)
- Various Competitions & Awards Throughout School Time
Education and Training:
- Level 3 – Art Foundation Course for Schools of Maharashtra
- Kalaniketan Chitrakala Mahavidyalaya, Nasik, India – Fine Art (1992)
- Studied Fine Art, gaining essential skills in drawing, painting, and other art forms.
Certificate Courses:
- Graphic Design, Web Design, Illustration
Editorial and Design Work:
- School Magazine Edited and Designed
- “Nikhil Creations” – Own Graphics and Screen Printing Business for 12 Years.
Exhibitions
- Watercolour Art Exhibition – Nasik (1992)
Group Exhibition - Arty Anju – Jalgaon (1994)
Solo Exhibition - Colours by Anju – Jalgaon (1994)
Solo Exhibition - Raindrops – Auckland (2005)
Solo Exhibition - NZ Landscape – Auckland (2007)
Solo Exhibition - Mumbai to Auckland – Auckland (2012)
Solo Exhibition - Versatility – Auckland (2012)
Solo Exhibition - Wonderland – Auckland (2014)
Solo Exhibition - Harmony of Colours – Auckland (2023)
Solo Exhibition - Unity in Diversity – Auckland (2024)
Curator and Collaborator. - Colours Of Diwali – Auckland (2024)
Curator and Collaborator.
Artistic Achievements
15+
Group & Solo Exhibitions
100+
Artwork SOLD Worldwide
300+
Art Workshops & Classes
Painting Classes and Workshops
In addition to the above classes, I can also speak about art therapy, colour therapy, Indian art & history, and my artistic journey—including the challenges, achievements, and opportunities I’ve encountered.
Wellness and art go hand in hand. Learn more about meditative art on the wellness page. Additionally, I cover subjects such as creating everyday rituals for a positive mind, manifestation, the importance of journaling, and gratitude practices.
Let’s talk – hello@anjudesai.co.nz“
How I Can Help
Hi there!
It’s wonderful to connect with you here. As we become more aware of our mind-body-soul connection, we seek simple guidelines to understand holistic living. This involves mindful eating, daily mindfulness practices, and working on our manifestations. I was raised in an Ayurvedic holistic lifestyle and know how simplicity can create abundance for the soul and body. Let me help you change simple micro habits to create a soulful life or simply Join me at upcoming events.
With my passions for creativity, art, writing, coaching, and speaking, I’m excited to bring fresh and impressive ideas to your life. Let’s support our community together and bring the best out of them
Thank you for stopping by, and I look forward to catching up soon!
Anju Desai
What Our Clients Say - Art
I really enjoyed the small class size, the friendly social atmosphere and the freedom to work at your own pace. It’s a very productive course and I had a lovely painting done in my very first class! I would highly recommend this course to those just starting out or getting back into painting.
Peter K
I am very proud of what I have achieved, with my paintings, I am happy to display them on my walls, showcasing the skills Anju taught me.. I also feel that as I had never thought myself to be creative, or able to draw, I was able to produce something that I was more than happy to show my family, and friends and hang on my walls at home. And have someone enjoy me gifting them something they chose. You provided me with the confidence to try and encourage my own style ( even if that was a bit strange). I still find it encouraging that I can dabble with what I do.. even if it’s not “real art”.
Thanks, Anju
Louise Boswell
I enjoy the relaxed class atmosphere and gentle chatter that goes around the class during our 2 hour Tuesday night sessions. There is no pressure to do better or be better than the next student and Anju always makes me feel like my work is “special and important” which I appreciate.
Sharlene Coleman
Your paintings remind me it’s just creativity from an artistic heart. Your watercolour flows very well. The control on the brush is very good. Most of your paintings have very good depth. You make your paintings grow.
Wayne H
Anju is an experienced and exceptional painter which shows in her artwork that is displayed around the studio. She is keen to teach us varying techniques when asked, or at the same time is happy to let us be creative on our own if called for.
I feel the course fees are very generous and always look forward to participating in any workshops or classes she advertises.
Sally Nearby
The heart painting i purchased from Anju turely inviting. When i saw it for the first time i had these butterfly feelings. Still, to date, it is hanging in my little clinic bringing a positive vibe. I know I made the best purchase.
All the best.