In our ATAS Artist Spotlight series, we take a deeper dive into our artists through their work and the creative process and stories behind them.
Anitha Rajagopal is a Michigan-based artist known for her soulful, joyful, and meaningful gouache illustrations. Anitha’s artwork is influenced by nature. When Anitha is not painting, she enjoys singing, crocheting, and crafting. A motto that Anitha goes by is that “you are stronger than you know”.
This interview has been lightly edited for length and clarity.
“This cause resonates with how powerful I feel art can be and I feel happy to be a part of it”
What is your creative process?
Anitha: I first find a reference image that I can relate to, decide the medium I would like to use, sketch out some details, and then fill in the colors.
Which one of your works is your favorite?

Anitha: My favorite is “Forget Me Not”, it has a very special place in my heart as it was my first original painting. It gave me a huge sense of accomplishment!
If you could travel to any place in the world, where would you go?
Anitha: Mount Everest base camp.
What is your favorite piece of artwork that is not your own?
Anitha: “Radha in the Moonlight” by Raja Ravi Varma.
What do you listen to while you work?
Anitha: A. R. Rahman songs and the radio.
Why did you decide to become an ATAS artist?
Anitha: Art has helped me find peace, comfort, and joy during difficult times. This cause resonates with how powerful I feel art can be and I feel happy to be a part of it!
You can check out more of Anitha’s work on her Instagram and ATAS Artist portfolio.