News Summary
Sangeetha Gopalakrishnan, a former electrical engineer, is set to showcase her artwork at the 20th Annual Art in the Park event in Newport Beach. After nearly two decades in engineering, she embraced her passion for art during the pandemic. Gopalakrishnan’s work reflects her love for California’s landscapes and her commitment to sustainability, using non-toxic materials. She is also the founder of the OC Women’s Outdoors and Wilderness Group, empowering women to explore nature. Art enthusiasts are invited to experience her journey and the vibrant art scene at the event.
Newport Beach is set to celebrate the remarkable journey of Sangeetha Gopalakrishnan, an oil painter who has transitioned from a career in electrical engineering to pursue her passion for art. Gopalakrishnan will showcase her artwork at the 20th Annual Art in the Park event on Saturday, September 20. The gathering is organized by the Newport Beach Arts Foundation, featuring a diverse range of artists and their works.
For nearly two decades, Gopalakrishnan worked as a chip design electrical engineer before making a significant career shift in 2022 to focus on painting full-time. She cites her background in engineering as a foundation for her artistic endeavors, emphasizing that both fields require creativity and innovative problem-solving skills. Her commitment to art blossomed particularly during the Covid-19 pandemic in 2020, when she felt a strong calling to embrace her long-held passion.
Born and raised in India, Gopalakrishnan moved to the United States in 2007 to further her engineering career. From a young age, she displayed a keen interest in mathematics and problem solving, traits that were nurtured during her upbringing in India. Her fondness for nature, particularly the lush landscapes of South India, inspired her artistic expression and themes in her work.
Gopalakrishnan’s love for the outdoors has significantly influenced her artistic journey. She frequently embarks on hiking and backpacking trips across California and other nearby states, taking along a painting kit to capture the beauty of nature in her artwork. These experiences have allowed her to translate the stunning vistas of California into her paintings, showcasing coastal cliffs, alpine lakes, desert canyons, and towering redwood forests.
An important aspect of Gopalakrishnan’s practice is her commitment to sustainability. She prioritizes the use of non-toxic, eco-friendly materials in her art, opting for linseed oil as a safer alternative to traditional painting solvents like turpentine. Her dedication to maintaining a non-toxic working environment has earned her the California Green Business Certification, highlighting her efforts toward sustainable practices in the art community.
In addition to her artistic pursuits, Gopalakrishnan is also the founder of the OC Women’s Outdoors and Wilderness Group. This initiative aims to empower women to confidently explore nature, fostering a sense of adventure and appreciation for the outdoors among its members.
As Gopalakrishnan prepares to showcase her work at Art in the Park, she invites art enthusiasts and the community to experience her journey of transformation from engineer to artist. Her portfolio reflects not only her personal connection to California’s diverse landscapes but also her dedication to sustainability and empowerment.
Those interested in learning more about Gopalakrishnan and her artwork can visit her website, sangeethag.com, which features her paintings and additional information about her artistic philosophy.
The 20th Annual Art in the Park event promises to be a rich assembly of creativity, offering visitors the opportunity to engage with various artists, including Gopalakrishnan, and appreciate the vibrant art scene in Newport Beach.
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- The Art Newspaper: Possible Merger of OC Museum of Art and UC Irvine
- LA Times: Talks of Merger Between UCI and OCMA
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- Wikipedia: Visual Art
- Google Search: Art Exhibitions
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- Encyclopedia Britannica: Art History
- Google News: Art Events California
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
