Julia Bocharova

Year of birth: 1978.
Your education: I am a self-taught artist. I study the works of great masters of the past and contemporary painting, attend various workshops, and experiment with my own painting.
Describe your art in three words: Joy, peace, discovery.
Your discipline: Most of my paintings are created in the genre of animalism. However, I am also interested in experimenting with painting, and a separate part of my work is dedicated to this.
Website

How did you develop your artistic style, and what drew you to work with oil and acrylic on canvas?

I love realistic, well-detailed character figures against abstract or simplified backgrounds, or vice versa: giving all the attention to the background while keeping the figure more symbolic. This approach makes my paintings accessible to viewers while also feeling current, fitting well into modern interiors. In painting, I value not only decorativeness but also meaning. For example, my painting “It’s Hard to Be a Girl,” despite the cute character and pink background, addresses the conflict between societal expectations and personal needs. The bear-girl character focuses on her true uniqueness instead of following societal norms – and I like her choice.

My first choice in painting was acrylic. It dries quickly, and the painting is ready to be framed within just a couple of days. Additionally, acrylic is a modern material, and I enjoy working with new technologies. However, I also appreciate oil painting: it allows for slow and thoughtful work. In this technique, you can change shades and the smallest nuances for several days before the paint dries. Working with oil also allows blending the paint with your fingers, creating a living connection between the artist and their painting. I feel like a part of my warmth transfers into the painting during this process.

Julia Bocharova | Bliss

Your work often features positive subjects and bright colors. What influences your choice of themes and palette?

I think that many people today lack positive emotions. I create paintings to uplift the viewers’ spirits through vibrant colors and chosen subjects. Dark and unsettling news is for journalists and politicians. Painting can become a source of light and warmth around which people gather, tired of the world’s upheavals.

Could you share the story behind your painting, “It’s hard to be a girl: don’t climb trees, don’t roll in the dust, don’t growl. But what if this is my nature?”

One day, I saw a strict mother at the playground scolding her 5-year-old daughter for being too active. The girl was sniffling, and then she said, “But what if this is who I am?” That’s how the idea for my painting came to life. Its hero became a bear-girl full of vitality and energy. She climbs trees and growls because she is inwardly free and ready for self-realization. Instead of being ashamed and suppressing her nature, she finds her uniqueness in it. The painting “It’s Hard to Be a Girl” won the “Successful Artist III” competition on the “Open calls” platform in 2024. The painting was purchased, and it can now be seen in the interior of the “Etazh” cultural center in Novosibirsk.

Julia Bocharova | Bear Cub – It’s Hard to Be a Girl

How do you approach the creative process? Do you have a particular routine or ritual when you start working on a new painting?

The creative process is always a joy for me. I don’t experience the fear of the blank canvas when you hesitate to make the first strokes out of fear of ruining it. Ideas live in my head, and I can’t wait to express them. So, I cancel all other activities, set up the canvas on the easel, and start painting. Problems arise later, when the first layer of paint has dried, and the painting is ready for further work. It’s scary to ruin what’s already been done. But I draw inspiration from my brave characters and continue working. And if I mess something up, well, there’s always a chance to fix it.

How do you envision the future of your art? Are there any new techniques or themes you are eager to explore?

Contemporary painting features many diverse techniques and methods, and I’m eager to explore them. In the near future, I plan to integrate textured 3D painting, recycling (reusing paper and fabric), combining different materials, and other techniques into my style. I’m curious to see how it will turn out.

Julia Bocharova | Oh well, I guess I’ll have to go barefoot

How do you hope viewers will feel when they engage with your paintings, particularly those that convey deep personal or societal messages?

I hope people will reflect on the issues of personal and societal interaction, as well as on the complexities of personal communication with others (both humans and animals). In the flow of life, we often forget about these topics, considering them routine. Many people postpone addressing personal issues for the future and live a less fulfilling life than they could. That’s why I believe it’s important to draw attention to this. At the same time, I hope viewers will enjoy my paintings and feel inspired to decorate their own spaces with them.

Julia Bocharova | Well, I tore it, why start scolding right away?

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who are working to find their unique style and voice?

I would suggest following the “3 b’s” rule that I came up with for myself. It goes like this: “Be brave, Believe in yourself, and Bring something new and unique to this world.” And I wish good luck to everyone who embarks on the path of creativity. It elevates people and allows them to share ideas and emotions, overcoming any barriers: linguistic, governmental, or territorial. After all, creativity is something that touches people all over the world.