ARTISTS Soup and his wife, Yupa, are red hot.

“We are like chilis,” said Soup.

“We are very small, but we have a lot of fire.

“And we always leave a lasting impression.”

The couple run the Chili Art studio near Bang Tao beach, but despite their fiery name, they are very friendly and always eager to please.

They cater mainly to tourists, and work in most mediums, including oil and watercolour.

“We can reproduce works by your favourite artists, we paint portraits of animals and people, postcards, pictures, anything a client asks for,” said Soup.

“We always try to be very friendly, and we do what we do because we love it, it’s not just for the money.

“We want to make our clients happy, and we want to ensure that they are completely satisfied with our products.”

The couple are continually competing with artists from areas like Patong, but their overheads are low and their prices are always much lower than their out-of-town competitors.

Their studio has only been open for two years, but their reputation is spreading fast.
Both Soup and Yupa worked in retail before their passion for art took over and changed their lives forever.

“I worked in a hotel in Patong and Yupa worked in a Mini Mart,” said Soup.

“In the evenings after work, we would go back to our apartment and paint pictures.

“Yupa learned to paint at technical college, so she knew what she was doing, and she taught me everything I know about art.

“We have both loved painting, ever since we were children, and we both grew up with a passion for painting.

“Then one day, we both realised that either of us liked our jobs, so we quit and set about pursuing our love of art.

“If Yupa hadn’t taught me how to paint, I would probably have ended up in a low-paying job as a barman or a waiter, and Yupa would probably have ended up working in a factory.”

Soup said he and Yupa also offered a home help service when the painting was finished to ensure the client was totally satisfied.

“Nothing is a problem for us here at Chili,” he said.

“We love painting, we love making people happy with their art, and we love making new friends.”

For further information, call Soup on 085 475 6046 or email chiliartgallery@gmail.com