Spring River (2019) Painting by Igor Manukhov

Since I was a child, I was sure that I would be an artist, but I only found my way to painting many years later. In 1974 I entered Moscow Institute of Architecture. This university, as the name implies, specializes in architecture but not painting. However, looking back, I understand that it was the best decision because at the institute I mastered drawing and graphics. This education provided an excellent base and did not constrain me by the strict rules of an academic approach.

Having graduated from the institute, I worked as a mosaicist and a graphic artist. Then I focused on watercolors. I spent about 5 years mastering this delicate technique. Why did I choose watercolor? I think that the main reason is that watercolor reflects my inner nature, it is filled with energy and does not imply monotonous work on details. The work is performed "in one breath" while the paper remains wet. In the USSR, the watercolor school was not developed, so I had to learn everything myself, working hard, and focusing on the inner feeling. I discovered the wet-on-wet approach (alla prima) in 1988 and have been honing it ever since.

I work in different genres and can't choose a single favorite one. When I paint a person, I am totally focusing on the portrait. If there is a still life in front of me, then it takes all my attention. However, I think that landscapes are the most specific for me. These are the views of the European cities and landscapes of Russia. A major part of my paintings was inspired by the views in Savelievo village, where I built a house and spent summer months for 25 years. Additionally, winter landscapes are also a main part of my portfolio.

Painting is the main part of my life. Along with my personal development, I was teaching watercolor to students for 15 years. It is a significant period of time when I shared my experience and at the same time improved not only as an artist but also as a teacher. I have developed a methodological manual "Watercolor. Techniques and materials" which demonstrates various techniques. I have conducted many master classes and created hundreds of video lessons that were useful among students and amateur painters.

• Nationality: RUSSIA
• Date of birth : 1957
• Artistic domains: Works by professional artists,
• Groups: Professional Artist Russian Contemporary Artists