Konstantin Kravtsov

Year of birth: 1988.
Your education: Higher art education.
Describe your art in three words: calmness, serenity, care.
Your discipline: landscape painting.

What inspired you to become an artist, and how has your artistic journey evolved over the years?

Since my childhood, I was attracted to nature by its mighty beauty and diversity, I could walk alone for hours and enjoy specific vistas. I wanted to learn how to depict nature as it is in reality. In addition, I enjoyed simply depicting everything I see and think about. I can say that I have always been fascinated and captivated by the beauty of nature and the opportunity to capture it on canvas or paper, thus expressing my feelings. My artistic journey began with simple drawings, where I first learned to depict nature on my own then I entered art school, where teachers helped me develop the basic techniques. In school, it took me about four years to enter art college, where I met talented professors.

Why did you choose landscapes as your primary subject matter, and how do you select the scenes you paint?

Landscapes have always been my main and favorite subject in art due to the infinite variety and inspiration they bring. There are several reasons why I choose the landscape genre. The sense of harmony: nature itself is harmonious, for example, an old park or secluded corner of the forest; changing light: the same moment looks different; the harmony of mood: the state of nature is always in tune with the mood of the artist; free element: I am drawn to nature and the fact that it is not always subject to human beings, thunderstorms, storms, not only frighten but also inspire; the opportunity to work in nature: this enriches the choice of motifs and gives me the opportunity to embody my impressions. I choose scenes to draw based on the emotions they evoke in me and the feeling of tranquility they bring.

Konstantin Kravtsov | Off the coast

Can you describe your creative process from initial inspiration to the final painting?

My creative process begins with searching for inspiration in the world around me, whether it is a breathtaking sunset or a majestic forest. Then I create sketches in several options so to choose a suitable idea for a future painting. After that, I compose the composition, applying colors and textures to bring the scene to life on the canvas. I mainly work with oil. If any landscape catches my eye and I don’t have the necessary tools at hand, I take a photo of that moment and save it for future works.

Your art emphasizes the beauty of nature. How do you think art can contribute to raising awareness about environmental conservation?

I believe that art has the ability to draw attention to environmental issues, demonstrating the beauty of nature and reminding viewers of what is at stake. Through my paintings, I hope to inspire others to appreciate and protect our world. With my art, I want to show how beautiful and unique our planet is, and how diverse nature is, thus emphasizing the importance of caring for and preserving the environment.

Konstantin Kravtsov | In winter | 2021

Do you have any particular artists or art movements that have influenced your style?

I studied the works of other artists and artistic movements. This helped me better understand myself as an artist, my tastes, and preferences. For myself, I have chosen one artistic direction that is interesting for me in search of my own style. It is realism, to depict reality or the peculiarities of nature as accurately as possible. My favorite artists are I. Levitan, A. Kuindzhi, and Y. Klever. The choice of these artists and artistic direction has had a profound impact on my own style.

Can you share any memorable experiences or reactions from people who have viewed your paintings?

I was fortunate to receive positive reactions from people who saw my paintings, many of whom expressed a feeling of calm, peace, warmth, and kindness while looking at them. One of the memorable moments was when a viewer told me that my painting reminded him of his childhood home and how many pleasant moments were associated with those memories.

Konstantin Kravtsov | At dawn

What advice would you give to aspiring artists who want to focus on landscapes?

I would like to give some advice to aspiring artists. First and foremost, it is necessary to study the basics of color theory, as this will allow you to learn how to mix and match different shades. Study different styles and techniques in order to find inspiration and develop your own style. Try to observe nature as much as possible, as this will help improve your observational skills and teach you to notice details and colors. And the last, but not least important piece of advice is to practice more. Devote as much time as you have to creating new works, and over time you will notice that you have become more confident in your skills and creative perception!