Raj Naik (born 1976, Bombay [now Mumbai], India) is a Los Angeles-based painter whose vibrant work captures the energy and community spirit of Southern California’s cricket culture. Inspired by time spent at Woodley Park’s cricket fields, Raj’s paintings bring together vivid depictions of the sport, with many characters based on friends, family, and colorful personalities he encounters at the grounds. His young son, an avid player in the local youth league, is a key inspiration, drawing Raj into the dynamic world of Southern California cricket.
Raj’s work often transforms real-life figures into imaginative, fictionalized players, giving each character a unique backstory and presence on the field. His canvases are infused with a sense of camaraderie, playfulness, and the intense focus of a sport not commonly associated with American landscapes. By blending personal connections with his passion for cricket, Raj Naik creates paintings that not only celebrate the game but also capture the diverse and tight-knit community that flourishes around it in Los Angeles.