Interview with a 20-Year Veteran Creator: Perspectives and Motivations from Her Path

Viviene Astakhova: An Expert in Architectural Watercolors

Viviene Astakhova, a skilled mixed-media artist hailing from St. Petersburg, has established a unique position in producing graceful illustrations of European architecture. Her distinctive fusion of watercolor and ink introduces a specific lightness to her pieces, paired with the technical accuracy that radiates sophistication. With twenty years of experience to her credit, Astakhova is now imparting her knowledge through her online course, “Architectural Watercolors,” available at My Modern Met Academy.

Astakhova’s dedication to her craft shines through her passion for teaching others. Her course provides a glimpse into her methods, guiding students to utilize the fluid nature of watercolor alongside the precision of ink to craft stunning illustrations. “Watercolor is light and translucent,” Astakhova points out, “while ink is rich and definitive. Together, they accentuate the beauty of classical architecture.”

In the course, participants will delve into the application of granulated watercolors and discover techniques for choosing and sketching urban environments. They will also learn to enhance their illustrations with added color and depth before carefully inking details to finalize their creations. Priced at $34.95, this course offers an affordable opportunity to broaden your artistic skills.

Astakhova finds inspiration in both modern artists and her service dog, Fox. She shares, “When he gazes at me, it’s as if he’s conveying: ‘Continue painting. You enrich the world when you do.’” Her path, driven by a resolve to face challenges head-on, provides an encouraging message for emerging artists. “Practice is essential,” she recommends. “It’s through errors that you discover your artistic identity.”

Through her new course, Astakhova aspires for participants to recognize the subtleties of merging watercolor and ink, understanding how this pairing can alter the perception of an artwork. “Watercolor serves as a means to develop self-assurance through effort,” she declares, and her course seeks to instill this conviction in each student. To embark on this journey, visit My Modern Met Academy and sign up for “Architectural Watercolors” today.