And today I want to introduce you to Varya Kolesnikova and her heart’s motives.

👦🏽 Hello Varya, I’m very happy to speak to you. So, I think we’ll start with the simpliest question: how long have you been holding a paint-brush in your hands?
👧🏻Hello, GeekArts, thanks for inviting me. I’ve been holding a brush (actually a stylus, not a brush) for about 5-6 years already, I suppose.

👦🏽So you’ve always been painting on the virtual canvas?
👧🏻Yes, I started to draw on the computer, and still continue that and only that. Devices are as always – small Bamboo tablet, which is very old too. I’m very lazy in terms of electronics – it’s hard for me to get used to new gadgets.

👦🏽What software do you prefer?
👧🏻I like Corel Painter. Through I’m not one of those people who have complexes about computer graphics, pictures in Сorel Painter turn out to be lively and warm (at least my works are like that).

👦🏽What do you use besides the main software? For example, to determine the necessary palette, to search for a new color? Or everything is just up to your senses?
👧🏻Additionally to Сorel Painter, I use Photoshop. Often for very pragmatic tasks – when I see that the composition has drooped, or I’ve drawn the main character and nothing else could fit into the picture anymore. I always draw perspective “as it seems to me”, I’m not building it, and I like to do it very much! Of course, senses often fail me during work, so the final stage is always in Photoshop: I reduce or increase the contrasts, brighten or shadow. And I’m very happy when nothing needs to be done at Photoshop, and the picture ends the process as it is.

👦🏽OK, now let’s talk about the style in which you like to draw. What motives do you like?
👧🏻I like drawing something cartoonish or near that. Sad, kind, funny, thoughtful – this is all mine. I’m feeling awkward if I need to draw something more aggressive, it turns out cute, no matter how I try. I like to draw animals, especially dogs, maybe because all dogs are cool.

👦🏽I’ve noticed a subtle theme of St. Petersburg in your works. I’m also from this city, and your works awaken the warm and romantic nostalgia.
👧🏻I’ve moved to Petersburg a few years after I’ve graduated from the university. For quite a long time I couldn’t get myself to draw something on this city’s theme, though I like it very much. There’s so much Petersburg-themed drawings, that I’ve felt that I’m not ready to jump in. But gradually the city has got into my pictures somehow. I haven’t drawn any specific place, only the atmosphere. Despite that, people easily see that this is Petersburg. This city is very self-willed.

👦🏽Do you draw just for yourself, or is this your job?
👧🏻This is my job, I’m a professional illustrator.

#interview #Varya_Kolesnikova_part_I #eng