Born in Mumbai, India – surrounded by artists and musicians, Neelam Padte quickly discovered her creative spirit and developed a keen interest in various forms of art. After earning a BFA in Graphic Design from University of Mumbai, Neelam emigrated to the United States in 1984. While raising her family she studied Computer Graphics. She worked for 2 years as a Computer Graphics Designer, and then trained in Web Designing as well as Computer Programming.

While working as a programmer for a large telecommunications company she quenched her artistic thirst by painting on glass, wood, fabrics, and canvas. After being laid off during the economic downturn of 2001, she became a full-time floorcloth (hand-painted canvas rug) artist. The patterns of her floorcloths are inspired by Colonial American wall and floor designs. She also creates one of a kind pieces as per supplied designs. Her floorcloths are durable and easy to maintain. She has been recognized by Early American Life magazine as a top floorcloth artist for historic accuracy and museum quality workmanship. Her pieces are displayed in several museums, period homes as well as private collections.

After 14 years as a full-time floorcloth artist, Neelam found the creative process to be pleasing yet repetitive. However, studying the works of Henri Matisse, Mark Rothko, Frank Stella, Helen Frankenthaler, V. S. Gaitonde, and S. H. Raza revealed her the freedoms of abstraction.

Neelam’s initial abstract works were geometric paintings, which did not come spontaneously. Starting with pencil sketches, she used her computer skills to create multiple digital representations before painting on canvas. This methodical process came naturally because of her graphic design training, but she continued to perceive a void in her creative mind. However, an unplanned immersion into spirituality released her from the comfort zone and gave her the courage to express feelings freely. The subjects and colors of her landscape paintings are influenced by the pairing of nature’s inspirations reflected on her mood and impulses. Neelam crafts her landscapes with acrylics, oil sticks, graphite and charcoal by using brushes and knives. When creating her fluid artwork, she allows the energy within the colors to follow its own path. By working with these mixed media in a meditative state, she shares her inner spirit with the viewers.

Neelam creates abstract paintings of landscapes, geometric, and fluids using mixed media. Her works are inspired by earth, water, wind, fire and space as viewed through the prism of her soul.

Artist Statement:

I express my emotions, illusions thoughts through my paintings. My landscape paintings reflect the overall essence of nature that I see or imagine. Using only limited palette I keep composition simple and my focus is on balancing colors, values and texture.

Monmouth Museum, Lincroft, NJ
Member Miniatures: big ART in small packages 2020
January 18, 2020 – March 15, 2020

South Brunswick Arts Commission, NJ
Repetition and Variation
January 17, 2020 – March 20, 2020

Affordable Art Show – Atlantic Highlands, NJ
November 29, 2019 – December 22, 2019

South Brunswick Arts Commission, NJ
Inspired by Nature
October 25, 2019 – January 10, 2020

Morris Museum – Morristown, NJ
Nature’s Splendor – Atlantic Highlands Juried Art Show
September 12, 2019 – November 3, 2019

Rose Arts Festival 2019 – Norwich, CT
June 29, 2019 – July 5, 2019