Snoop Dogg (2017) Painting by Natalia Kostrova

I was born in Moscow and have lived here ever since in the historical centre of the city in the picturesque Khamovniki District. I have always loved reading and drawing. As a child I attended art studio classes and when I was 11 I entered Krasnopresnenskaya art school. I learned the basics of drawing theory and history of art and also tried to find my own creative style. After graduating from the art school I worked in a restoration workshop and then entered MARKHI (Moscow Institute of Architecture). While studying there I often went to paint en plein air, did many city scapes and drawings of architecture and took part in exhibitions. Learning architecture laws broadened my understanding of the harmony of space and generally opened up new vistas and horizons.
After graduating from MARKHI I worked for architectural bureaus for several years and then followed a long break from creativity connected with the birth and upbringing of my children. But in the last couple of years I started to have more free time and I found a workshop where I can be all by myself, turn on the music and draw. Dry and oil pastels and acrylic paints are my favourite instruments for working. I also use watercolours and pencils.
Apart from that I am interested in haiku – Japanese tercets similar to painting in some ways. In haiku the poet’s purport is to share lyrical feeling with the reader and stir his or her imagination without painting a highly detailed picture. I adopted the same approach in my work, inviting the viewer to take part in the creative endeavour. It is not enough to browse through the images quickly, one has to look closely and use his or her imagination. What is more, I come up with haiku to support all my landscapes.
My other favourite genre is the portrait. I love drawing faces, characters, emotions. This always gives me immense pleasure. A couple of years ago I became a member of National Pastel Society of Russia (NSP) and joined several exhibitions. My works are now parts of private collections the world over: Russia, the Czech Republic, Germany, India, the USA, Canada and France. I am a life-long learner and a massive fan of fine arts. I go to museums, galleries, exhibitions to get emotions and inspiration. I read a lot about great artists’ lives and the process of creating masterpieces. This gives me an idea how to understand their art better. I hope that people who would like to see my paintings and possibly purchase them will feel joyful and inspired as well.

• Nationality: RUSSIA
• Date of birth : unknown date
• Artistic domains:
• Groups: Russian Contemporary Artists