Shahista Begum is a self-taught artist whose impressionistic paintings explore light, water and emotion. Working primarily in acrylic on canvas, she combines brushwork with palette knife and impasto techniques to create richly textured, atmospheric pieces.

Inspired by nature and the quiet beauty of reflections, her work is rooted in a sense of calm and stillness. Drawing influence from the gardens of Giverny and the work of Claude Monet, her paintings invite the viewer to pause, reflect and reconnect with a more tranquil rhythm.

More locally, she is inspired by Richmond Park, a place she’s been visiting for many years, which is a beautiful source of inspiration for her all year long.

Shahista began painting as a way to restore balance while working on the frontline in A&E during the COVID-19 pandemic. What started as a personal refuge has grown into a deeply meaningful creative practice. Her experiences in healthcare inspired a desire to create art that offers calm, moments of stillness and emotional restoration to people during difficult times and also to celebrate the quiet beauty of life itself.

Shahista’s work has been featured in the Richmond Art Newsletter and continues to resonate with a growing online audience.