Art on the Trail, our celebration of artwork inspired by the LHT, continues with Flora and Fauna. We are thrilled to present inspiring contributions from local artists – professional and amateur, across various media, each creator taken with different scenes along our 22 miles of trail. Currently, we are accepting new art featuring LHT Waterways. Keep creating, we can’t wait to see your work. And, be sure to check out previously featured artists in our gallery for inspiration.
Manveen Bindra, courtesy of the artist
Website: artstudiobymb.com
Instagram: @artstudiobymb
Facebook: @theartstudiobymb
Etsy: etsy.com/shop/artstudiobymb
Meet Manveen Bindra – a Monroe resident who has been creating since she was a child. An art instructor and one of many who has really leaned into art with the world in lockdown, Manveen loves to experiment with new media. Currently, she is painting in watercolors and goache; often in tribute to New Jersey’s four distinct seasons.
LHT: Can you share a biography or Artist’s Statement?
Manveen: I have lived Monroe Township for past 13 years. I was in healthcare industry for 12 years until I got diagnosed with an immune deficiency and quit my job in hopes to venture into another field. The pandemic brought everything to a standstill. Ever since, I have dived into my art even more.
LHT: How long have you been creating? What inspired you to start or restart creating art?
Manveen: Growing up, my favorite time of day was when I was allowed to draw and paint. I would always find new surfaces to paint and experiment on — window blinds, doors, and bed sheets! As I got older, this love never faded and my passion for colors and creating artwork grew. I have always found peace and solace with my paints, brushes and paper and I often painted for friends and family in oils and acrylics. While being a mother of two young kids and having a full-time job, I never found time to pursue my passion. To not lose my inner artist self, I started teaching art to little kids. We explored different mediums and materials together. The classes went on for almost three years until the pandemic hit!
A piece inspired by a photo on the LHT Instagram — the fall trees reflected in the water and the tall grass make it a beautiful composition. I used Gouache on hot press paper for this work. Courtesy of the artist
LHT: What is your preferred medium or media?
Manveen: I had always painted with oils and acrylics. I have created a few art works using the palette knife with acrylics. Last year I took some classes in watercolor and have fell in love with the medium ever since. I have recently done a lot of work with watercolor and gouache.
LHT: Is all your artwork inspired by nature?
Manveen: Nature is truly God’s canvas! I am constantly inspired by trees and flowers all year round. Especially being in New Jersey where you can witness all seasons so beautifully! The palette is never the same. The sky and the landscape change color every day and every season!
LHT: What about the LHT inspires you? What are your favorite segments?
Manveen: Beautiful nature and its ever-changing colors and personality. I have enjoyed Village Park and the dense trees there.
LHT: How did you discover the LHT?
Manveen: We visit our temple on Bakers Basin Road very often and have heard about the trails from friends living in the area.
LHT: Do you have advice or messages for other artists (adults, kids, novices, pros) encouraging them to get outside and create art inspired by the LHT?
Manveen: This quarantined summer our family has explored many trails around our township. I always tell my kids to enjoy every bit of what nature has to offer and to find tranquility in those amazing views! We take for granted everything around us. We should be thankful we live in a state where we can witness all four seasons!
Horse in Action, courtesy of the artist
Dhalia in watercolor, courtesy of the artist
Sayen House in Hamilton with gouache, courtesy of the artist
Fall Colors in watercolor, courtesy of the artist
Yellow Rose in watercolor, courtesy of the artist
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