STORY BEHIND THE ART OF NATALIA ZUEVA

24th Annual International

American Society of Botanical Artists and Marin Art & Garden Center

Flaming Margarita

Tulipa 'Flaming Margarita'

I was really stunned at first sight by this luxurious tulip with an unusual color. To me it resembled crimson flashes of a flame. I decided to make an enlarged drawing on a large paper format - larger than is usual for me. I started painting from the central part and worked with my smallest brushes. The work did not go fast and it stopped at some point. My inner creative experiences and doubts prevented me from continuing at that time. I only felt ready to continue almost a year later! It was a very long break. I returned to this work with a different attitude and with stronger confidence in my abilities and capabilities as at that time I had already obtained my diploma from the Saint-Petersburg Academy of Fine Arts.

I painted the central part of the flower carefully and methodically. I built the tones stroke by stroke, gradually, creating a variety of shades. I felt calmness in the flower’s center. When I planned to work on the petals, I thought that I would work in the same gradual manner. But when the time came to tackle them, the work went differently. It was so strange for me! I painted these big crimson flashes while standing. There was no force to keep me sitting. Only wide and free strokes could express my feelings. My hand demanded freedom for the movement, because I felt that this was the only way to draw this inner "flame" of the tulip. It was an incredible experience! I hope the viewer can perceive this combination of calmness in the center and inner energy in the petals.

Each plant that I work with is a new experience to study nature and myself as well. I can’t get used to it and I am always amazed by this surprise.

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Read more about this artist's work: 23rd Annual