We recently connected with Natalia Andreeva and have shared our conversation below.
Natalia, thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today Can you talk to us about how you learned to do what you do?
My artistic journey commenced early in life, initially under the guidance of my grandparents and later at the Children’s Art Studio. This passion led me to pursue formal art education at the university level, and my commitment to learning persists to this day.
The process of mastering art is not one that can be hastened; rather, it unfolds as a lifelong odyssey. I have chosen to immerse myself in the art of painting from life, placing a premium on observational skills, adept color mixing, and the ability to transpose vision onto a two-dimensional canvas. This necessitates a comprehensive grasp of drawing skills.
Consistent and dedicated practice is indispensable—a universal truth applicable to honing any skill. Constructive feedback serves as a valuable compass, pinpointing areas for improvement and facilitating learning from others. Exploring diverse painting techniques and styles is essential for broadening one’s knowledge and skill set. Crucially, embracing experimentation and taking creative risks fosters unique and innovative artistic expressions—a cornerstone of effective learning.
Studying the works of esteemed painters, dissecting their techniques, color usage, composition, and brushwork can be a breakthrough in itself. Delving into different styles allows for the discovery of resonant artistic preferences.
However, the path to artistic mastery is not without challenges. Common obstacles include self-doubt, luck of motivation, and external pressures. Overcoming these hurdles requires the cultivation of resilience, unwavering dedication to one’s passion, and the nurturing of a supportive artistic community.
Natalia, love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?
From my early childhood, a profound interest and curiosity for drawing and painting captivated me. This artistic passion found strong roots with the support and inspiration generously provided by my grandfather. The journey deepened as I became involved in a children’s art studio, where my creativity began to take shape.
Over the years, my dream of pursuing a career in art led me to pursue higher education in the field. Following graduation, a faculty position was extended to me, marking a significant milestone in my artistic pursuits.
Diversifying into computer graphics and animation, I collaborated with an innovative advertising agency. This shift from traditional art allowed me to explore new dimensions of my creative expression, pushing the boundaries of my artistic capabilities.
Upon immigrating to the U.S., a fresh chapter unfolded as I worked tirelessly to rebuild my art career. Starting from local street art shows, the journey evolved into owning a studio and managing various art programs.
My works now embody a fusion of spontaneous expressions, impressionism, and classical realism. Themes close to my heart include exquisite landscapes capturing nature’s subtleties, vibrant still life compositions contrasting shapes and dynamics, and portraits teeming with humanity, showcasing the beauty and harmony of the human condition.
Throughout my artistic voyage, I actively participated in numerous personal and group exhibitions, earning recognition through several awards. These experiences not only enriched my art but also became integral chapters in the narrative of my creative evolution.
What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?
Solving problems, continuing personal growth, freedom and Independence, connection.
Every painting is a mystery. Even with a planned approach and a set idea to tackle challenges, there’s an unpredictable element that urges artists to push boundaries, embrace new experiences, and learn from mistakes. It’s a continuous journey of growth and evolution. From conception to execution, you hold the reins, making decisions and being solely responsible for the results. The most rewarding aspect comes when someone resonates or is emotionally moved by your creation.
Is there mission driving your creative journey?
My goal is to be able to attain a seamless harmony between conceptualization and execution. In the early stages, the intense focus on execution can sometimes overshadow the original idea, or there may be instances where the execution falls short of doing justice to the concept.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.andreeva.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/natalia_andreeva_art
- Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC02pIh3CCRHd1ikJmakGpzA
Image Credits
Natalia Andreeva