“Flowers and plants have an emotional impact on people—I want to try and capture a bit of that and bring it into people’s homes.”
A World Shaped by Heritage, Places, and Passion
Sonal Nathwani, a Vienna-based artist, brings a dynamic blend of cultural influences and life experiences into her work. Born in Malawi to Indian parents, she was shaped by a rich mosaic of diverse landscapes and traditions. Growing up in England instilled a connection to nature, where her mother’s love for gardening ignited an enduring fascination with flowers. Sonal recalls the vivid memories of her childhood home—a mix of deep pink rose patterned teacups, hand-carved Malawian wood sculptures, and vibrant Indian decor—demonstrating an eclectic harmony that resonates deeply within her art.
Her artistic path took a pivotal turn when she moved to Florence in her twenties. Immersed in Italy’s artistic legacy, she studied at Charles H. Cecil Studios, refining her understanding of form, light, and color. The city’s historic beauty further deepened her connection to art, planting seeds of creative exploration that would later blossom in her career. Now based in Vienna, a city celebrated for its rich culture and accessible green spaces, Sonal draws daily inspiration from its gardens, architecture, and distinct seasons. Long walks through Vienna’s parks and streets allow her to absorb details that unconsciously infuse her floral paintings with both energy and elegance.
Over two decades, Sonal’s journey as a professional artist has been shaped by these experiences. From her multicultural roots to her exposure to Europe’s artistic heritage, she translates a world of vibrant influences into a body of work that celebrates beauty, nature, and fleeting moments.
Sonal Nathwani: Blossoming Into an Artist
Although Sonal began as a “child artist,” her early adult years led her away from art into accounting. It wasn’t until a transformative period in Florence that her creative path reemerged. Immersing herself in painting techniques, art history, and the city’s cultural atmosphere, Sonal rediscovered her true calling. Years later in Vienna, the birth of her second son became a turning point. She made a decisive choice to leave her office job and pursue art wholeheartedly, a leap made possible by her husband’s support and her relentless drive to succeed.
Building her artistic career required patience and persistence, but Sonal embraced the challenges. The rise of social media platforms like Instagram proved pivotal, helping her share her work with a broader audience. Opportunities emerged organically as her talent and dedication became increasingly visible. From meaningful collaborations to mentorships and friendships, the connections she forged inspired growth and creative evolution.
Throughout her journey, Sonal has remained committed to learning and improving her craft. She describes her artistic process as ever-evolving—a dynamic exploration that never feels stagnant. Each brushstroke and choice of color reflect not only technical skill but a passion for discovery, growth, and storytelling.
Capturing Nature’s Energy and Essence
Sonal’s signature style resides at the crossroads of expressionism and impressionism. While her paintings are undeniably beautiful, they delve deeper into themes of time, light, and the emotional resonance of nature. She believes in the restorative power of the natural world, whether through a serene forest, a fleeting bloom, or a dandelion emerging through concrete. For Sonal, flowers are both calming and exhilarating—a balance she strives to convey in her art.
By exploring expressive and increasingly abstract floral forms, Sonal captures more than physical appearances. Her work conveys the “essence and energy” of flowers, aiming to evoke light, movement, and the unique beauty of each season. Whether it’s the warmth of summer afternoons or the quiet hues of spring mornings, her paintings reflect nature’s ability to stir the soul.
Sonal hopes her art brings this emotional impact into people’s homes. She emphasizes the beauty hidden within everyday moments—transforming the ordinary into something extraordinary. In her own words, she aims to “highlight the magical energy of nature,” uplifting spaces with a sense of joy, peace, and wonder.
Sonal Nathwani: Creative Process and Inspirations
Sonal’s workspace is a haven for creative flow. She thrives in natural light, allowing the energy of her studio to guide her work. Whether painting on a large easel, a table, or even directly on the wall, she balances order and chaos as her process unfolds. Music often fills the space, but silence holds equal power, offering moments of deep focus.
Color plays a central role in Sonal’s work. Influenced by her Indian heritage, she embraces unconventional combinations—red next to pink, juxtaposed with greens and purples—creating tension and harmony on her canvas. For her, even “wrong” colors spark new opportunities, turning challenges into creative breakthroughs. Her intuitive approach invites spontaneity, bringing layers of texture, light, and mark-making to life.
Artistic inspiration comes from masters like Monet, Van Gogh, and John Singer Sargent, whose brilliance in light, color, and brushwork have profoundly shaped her vision. Monet’s Water Lilies in Paris left a particularly lasting impression, overwhelming her with their scale, atmosphere, and emotional depth. Cy Twombly’s abstract mark-making also sparked Sonal’s appreciation for the raw beauty of lines and gestures—elements she explores passionately in her work.
Sonal continues to dream of expanding her artistic expression. A collection of home furnishings or a published book of her sketchbook spreads are projects she envisions bringing to life. Her sketchbooks, integral to her process, serve as both playground and laboratory—spaces for experimentation, learning, and inspiration. For Sonal, creativity is a journey of endless discovery, where even the imperfect holds profound value.
