Biography

Artist Irina Pronina paints light-filled watercolor still lifes and landscapes of the Russian countryside. She was born and raised in Moscow, and began studying art at a young age. Following her passion for painting, she attended the prestigious Higher School of Folk Arts in St. Petersburg, where she trained to be a master silk painter. After graduating, she spent several years creating artworks on silk, however, she found that the traditional technique did not further her search for her own style. Inspired by a group of modern Russian watercolorists, Irina discovered her enthusiasm for the flowing medium. "The possibilities of watercolor – the dynamism and beauty of the iridescence – constantly inspire new paintings," says Irina. Today, she paints full-time from a home studio located on her terrace, with large windows and lots of natural light. In her free time, she enjoys needlework, which she describes as a matter for the soul.

Artist Statement

"Foral moments are a constant source of inspiration for me. The character and individuality of the floral image in this moment is what I strive to convey in my works. But not just to draw inflorescences and leaves, but to convey feelings, impressions, light – after all, this is a moment! The glare of dew on the leaves, the rhythms of light reflection on the petals, the light haze of fog – this is what makes this moment unique. And, standing still for a second, we can enjoy the moment – feel the light, the wind, the shades of smells around us. With the help of color, I strive to convey the uniqueness of this moment with tonal transitions, bright accents, and the depth of shadows. In the warm season, I often work in the open air, trying to accurately "grab" the moment with a brush."

The flame of autumn, Watercolor on paper, 38x56cm