I am Yulia Yakovleva, a Ukrainian watercolour artist, participant of over 20 All-Ukrainian exhibitions, as well as 7 international ones. The main topic of my creations is urban landscape.
Which contemporary art trends inspire you and why?
Which books would you recommend to people who would like to learn about painting?
Could you please give us a real-life example of the transformative power of art?
Which painting and drawing techniques do you consider to be necessary for amateur artists?
5. What would be your moral guidance for artists in these difficult times?
Yulia’s answers:
I am inspired by the works of Ukrainian artists, especially landscape painters, artists who paint architecture.
Probably, I would mention architectural sketches , as well as complete paintings that feature Ukrainian architecture.
I would recommend reading A Brief History of Art. It's a book that includes famous and leading artists of different eras, their works, and the peculiarity of the genre in which the aforementioned notable persons worked. Also, the Encyclopedia of Contemporary Art. I am especially impressed by reading biographies of artists I am interested in: A. Kuinzhi, I. Repin, T. Shevchenko, A. Kokhanovska, etc.
A real example of the transformative power of art, specifically in my work, happened in 2022, when I turned from an aesthetic artist into an artist who depicts the events of the war in Ukraine. It was a difficult stage for me, but at some point I realised what a transformative period it was for me. Not only it is true for me, but also for numerous Ukrainian artists who started painting the war. After all, this is a coverage of the real tragic events of the struggle of an entire nation for its country, independence and life.
Graphics - that is, drawing - is essential for any artist. It is precisely academic drawing. Of course, studying the construction of objects, composition. Knowledge of perspective is crucial. Understanding the contrast of light and shadow is generally the basic principle for any composition, no matter what you draw. Knowledge of colouristics is vital, too. The spectral circle of cold and warm colours is implied.
My moral guidance for our difficult times is, first of all, to be true to yourself, to your choice. If you have already chosen the path of an artist, then follow it regardless of any difficulties, material, personal, etc. Try to write even with a pen on paper, making sketches, but do not abandon them for years when you have to regret the time lost. Always believe in yourself, even when the others do not believe in you and you find yourself in difficult circumstances, believe that you can overcome everything, and this will be your unique story. I understand that the times now are unwelcoming : the war in our country makes it difficult to sell art or find understanding and feedback, but it is still worth looking for options, cooperation, advertising, projects, and starting with something simple. For example, with an exhibition in a coffee shop, where they don't necessarily charge for rent, but your work might be gladly displayed in their place for decoration purposes. There are options for exhibitions or projects with libraries, theatres, and philharmonic societies, where you can also have a solo exhibition or create an interesting music + painting project. These are real tips from my experience. Also pages on social media, art platforms. There are also free regional exhibitions of the National Union of Artists, where you don't have to pay, but you can submit works for consideration, and then if your work is selected, you will have an exhibition in the hall. There are exhibition projects, in particular, all-Ukrainian ones of the National Union of Artists, participation in such exhibitions is already a high-profile event, and an opportunity to express yourself by showcasing your work.
© Questions by Maryna Tchianova, 2025
© Answers by Yulia Yakovleva, 2025
