Kyoto rooftops (2022) Painting by Leyla Kamliya

I find subjects for my art in my everyday life in Japan and during trips, I’m hugely inspired by architecture, nature and culture of this beautiful country. Painting is not only an image but a story, so the viewer could look into it and feel the wind in sakura branches, touch the wood of an old house that stayed there for the centuries, dive into calm and modest atmosphere of the old Japanese shop or restaurant.
I paint only what I've seen in real life, en plein air or in my studio from photos that I take during walks and trips. Though I don’t limit myself with media but found watercolor with its transparency and lightness to be the most challenging and suitable for me at the moment.

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Painting has been a huge part of my life since childhood, I’ve studied in different art studios and art schools since elementary school.

I majored in Japanese and English translation and linguistic studies in the Far Eastern University of Humanities (Khabarovsk), then moved to Japan and got my Master degree in the Japanese language and Japanese literature in Kyoto University Graduate school.

Japanese culture is a great source of inspiration for me. After graduation I decided to explore watercolor medium more and became a full-time artist.

I’ve studied academic drawing in the art studio of International Art College of Niigata, Japan and participate in International Watercolor Exhibitions held by Japanese International Watercolor Institute every year. 

Currently based in Sapporo, Japan.

• Nationality: JAPAN
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Contemporary Japanese Artists