New Impressionistic Spring Blossoms tree landscape painting Svetlana Novikova

I just finished this piece.  It was done with acrylics on canvas.   I used brushes and palette knife. 

I was drawn to the freshness of blossoms and play of light and color in a reference image, and I wanted to portray the feeling of spring and joy in my painting.

It measures 24"x30", sides are painted. 

It's currently exhibiting at Quattro Gallery in Austin, TX.  Please visit http://www.quattrogallery.com/ for more information.  Opening reception is this Friday, September 30th - 7-10pm.

New OIL landscape paintings

I finally started painting with Oils again.  It's been a while.  Here are my new paintings that I recently finished.  They are available for sale through my website http://www.svetlananovikova.com/. 

12"x12" 'Evening sun' - Oil painting on cradled board (1.5" deep)

12"x12" 'Ocean Sunset' Oil painting on cradled board (1.5" deep)

11"x14" - "Tranquil Boat seascape' Oil painting on canvas

                                             Photo references used with permission from (N. Gumenuk, Oleg Zverev).

New Painting "Drawing Near"

This painting is done with Acrylics and mixed media on 12x12" gallery-wrap board.   I've added some glitter in the background, as well as a touch of glitter on young woman's hair and lips.   

This painting is currently displayed at Hill Country Bible church art show, themed 'On a way'. 
Original and Giclee prints are currently available on my website - http://svetlananovikova.com/large-multi-view/Figurative/1488481-6-4652/Figurative.html

Interpretation: "Sparkling blossoming garden in a background represents how we can experience a different world when we draw near to God in prayer. He can fill us with a sense of inner peace, wonder, and His unconditional love. "

My Portrait Sketching at BLANTON MUSEUM opening for 'ABOUT FACE' exhibit

I was recently hired to do portrait sketches at the opening of 'ABOUT FACE' exhibit at Blanton Museum. Sketches took about 10-15 per person, they were black and white. I used pencils. It was a pretty interesting experience.

Here is more information about ABOUT FACE exhibit - http://www.blantonmuseum.org/experience_the_blanton/b_scene/

After I was done, I went inside the exhibit and looked at new installations. A sound from a music band playing downstairs was blasting and echoing throughout the museum rooms. I found the combination of antique artwork (from another time domain) and contemporary metal (it sounded like metal) band sounds to be quiet surreal.

I always enjoy looking at old renaisance and realistic art, but I found several very beautiful and intriguing pieces by modern artists. This sculpture was done by Oliver Herring, called 'Patrick'. What was unusual to me about the piece is that the whole body was covered in patches of photographs. Even the hair war done with photos.  Please see photo and read description below.

Read the description here - http://blantonmuseum.org/gallery/details/patrick/

My Watercolor Demo at Jerry's Artarama

Recently, I taught a demo at Jerry's Artarama "Fun with Watercolors 101".
I showed participants several simple watercolor techniques, washes, layering, salt application, sponging, etc. And then we did a sunset painting.

I had a good time teaching, and students came up with impressive results.

I used flat and round brushes, watercolor paper, and paints.

Timing is very important with watercolors because you can manipulate different outcomes depending on how wet the surface is.

In my artwork I often sprinkle salt in areas to give it extra visual texture, and I like to sprinkle colors on top with a wet brush. I combine traditional layering technique with experimental spontaneous ones.