Watercolor Perspective from Russia - K. Kuzema

http://kuzema.my1.ru/

A talented watercolor artist, widely recognized in Russia by watercolor lovers, representing the Saint-Petersburg watercolor society. He had been one of those who gave his efforts to revive the former Emperor Saint-Petersburg watercolor society after many decades of oblivion.

K. Kuzema. Evening Mood. 56x76. 2008

What the perspectives has watercolor medium? How had been changing the attitude to this medium during last years, last century in Russia?

Watercolor as medium has very misty perspective as the medium itself. Watercolors appeared long ago and considers “traditional” medium. Thus one shouldn`t expect a great support as if it was some up-to-date art. 

Also there is an opinion that watercolor technologies make defective product in cultural and material meanings. So we can`t expect adequate investment from the potential customers.

Such a situation doesn`t inspire young artists to become watercolorists. The World Watercolor Renaissance which had started in the end of the last century turned out a growth of watercolor popularity in home creativity.

 

Watercolor societies appeared a necessary but insufficient condition for uplifting the watercolor status in the system of cultural and material values. Nevertheless during the last 100 years, and particularly the last few decades watercolor techniques got strong up-grade from artists methodic and art materials. That gives a hope for watercolor surviving.

The supporters and sponsors are needed otherwise maintenance and development of watercolor art will lay upon the shoulders of single watercolor-fanatics those hopefully will always exist in Russia.

Konstantin Kuzema. Duma in the Evening. 56x76. 2005

Is there any difference in requirements of Russian and Foreign Watercolor societies?

I believe there are no other criteria as the quality. But there is difference in understanding the quality of watercolor.

K.Kuzema. Waiting For Spring. 76x56.2004

What is your attitude to usage of masking materials?

You mean Masking fluids and other crutches? It is the same as to paint on stencil. The established watercolorist doesn`t need that “chemistry” and a beginner will be just spoiled by that.

K. Kuzema. Seagulls. 56x76. 2003

How watercolors evolved into independent painting technique?

It started from refusal of white paint and pencil drawing. Before that watercolor technologies were often using ready solutions from other techniques.

K. Kuzema. Step To A Side. 56x76.2002

Where in your opinion the strongest watercolor traditions? 

It is hard to answer. If you mean historically that would be China and UK.

K.Kuzema. Napoleon in St. Elena`s Island. 2005

What is your attitude to formal and abstract research in watercolor?

Very positive if you talk about sincere research and not about the attempt to hide from oneself one`s lack of skills and talent behind watercolor causalities and coincidences.

K. Kuzema. Monya in the Chair. 56x76.2002

What are your preferences in colors?

I like using yellow ochre. Generally that would be di-chromes with ochre + white paper.

K. Kuzema. Night Tram. 56x76.1998

What would you recommend to watercolor beginners to see as example? What inspires you in watercolor?

One has to see everything. It is the necessarity of the progress. As for me I got the most powerful push when I saw Turner`s painting.