Hand Painted Photos | Original Hand-Colored Photographic Art by Ritu Raj
Explore a rare collection of hand-painted photographs by contemporary abstract artist Ritu Raj. Each piece is a fusion of photography and painting — created for collectors seeking one-of-a-kind fine art.
In this innovative series, Phoenix-based artist Ritu Raj transforms original photographic prints into fine art by hand-painting each piece. Using custom pigments and precise brush techniques, Ritu overlays movement, texture, and abstract elements onto the photographic image — creating a new form of visual expression.
The result is a collection of truly unique hand-colored photographs. No digital manipulation or mass production — each work is an original hand-crafted piece for discerning collectors.
This rare fusion of abstract art and fine photography resonates with art collectors, interior designers, and curators seeking uncommon works for contemporary collections.
“Photography has almost no reality, it is almost a hundred per cent picture, and painting always has reality, you can touch the paint; it has presence.” –Gerhard Richter
As a professional photographer, my journey into contemporary abstract art began with a simple yet radical idea: What if a photograph could evolve into something more than a captured image? That question led me to create what I now call hand painted photos — original works where photography becomes the foundation for painterly abstraction.
These are not digitally manipulated or mass-produced prints. Each piece begins as a photograph, printed on canvas, then transformed with layers of acrylic paint. The result is a one-of-a-kind artwork that merges the realism of photography with the expressive force of abstract painting. This process places my work within the growing field of handpainted photographs, but with a distinctly abstract, contemporary edge.
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My subjects often include organic forms — especially the female figure — explored through a lens that favors emotion, mood, and imagination over literal representation. By reworking these images with paint, I abstract and recontextualize them, creating compositions that invite viewers to see differently. In this tension between clarity and distortion, between photography and painting, a new visual language emerges.
As one of the few hand colored photographs artists working at this level of abstraction, I offer collectors a rare opportunity to own artwork that is both technically grounded and entirely unique. All pieces are painted by hand in my Phoenix, Arizona studio, with no two alike.
If you're looking for hand painted photos that move beyond nostalgia and into the realm of visual exploration — pieces that hold the detail of a photograph but resonate with the depth of painting — this collection is for you. These works are meant to be lived with, returned to, and felt over time.
Hand-Painted Photograph by Ritu Raj
Model 1 Abstraction Mixed Media on Canvas 2024, 4ft x 4ft
Model 2 Abstraction Mixed Media on Canvas 2024, 4ft x 4ft
Purple Haze Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 4ft x 4ft
Haze Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 4ft x 4ft
Form Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 5ft x 5ft
Playing Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 5ft x 5ft
Eyes Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 4ft x 4ft
Cold Dream Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 4ft x 4ft
Focus Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 5ft x 5ft
Blue Legs Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 4ft x 4ft
Blonde Acrylic On Canvas 2022, 4ft x 4ft
A Study in Black & White Mixed Media on Canvas 2023, 5ft x 5ft
Layers of Reality or Not Mixed Media on Canvas 2020, 3ft x 3ft
Selfie Mixed Media on Canvas 2020, 3ft x 3ft
About Ritu Raj — A Contemporary Abstract Artist with a Unique Vision
Ritu Raj is a contemporary abstract artist based in Phoenix, Arizona. Known for blending technology, philosophy, and innovative techniques into his art, Ritu brings a unique perspective to the medium of photography. His Hand-Painted Photography Series pushes the boundaries of both photography and abstract painting — creating collectible, one-of-a-kind works for modern collectors.
Secure Global Shipping for Original Abstract Pop Art
Each hand-painted photograph is an original, signed work by Ritu Raj — accompanied by a certificate of authenticity. Paintings are carefully packaged and shipped worldwide with full insurance coverage. Private viewings and local delivery are available in Phoenix and select U.S. cities.
Commission a Custom Hand-Painted Photograph
Collectors may also commission bespoke hand-painted photographs — working directly with Ritu to create a unique piece tailored to their vision. Whether for a private collection, corporate installation, or curated exhibition, each commission is a one-of-a-kind artwork.
Ready to Acquire a Unique Hand-Painted Photograph?
Explore the available works above or contact Ritu Raj for availability, pricing, or commission inquiries. Each piece in this series is an original — no reproductions or digital editions.