Born in Poland And living in Sweden watercolor artist Stanislaw Zoladz just have been featured on the cover of The Art Of Watercolour Magazine. I had I chance to meet the artist personally at his studio in Nacka, Stockholm.
Did you always paint with water-colours?
Already as a child, I started painting with water-colours. Then, during my senior school years and later at the Academy of Art , I also added the techniques of painting with oil and gouache. Yet, the water-painting always remained a constant during my training years and as time passed, the water-painting became the dominant technique in my artistic work.
Your paintings are so precise that it gives an impression of total control. Do you attempt to take full control over the water?
I always strive to achieve a certain control over my water-colour painting. This is rarely possible and therefore, I strive to minimize my mistakes.
Your paintings are quite big. Do you paint more in studio or on location?
I work both in studio and on location. On location, I work with smaller sizes (up to 38 x 56 cm) and in the studio with the bigger sizes.
Your paintings resemble the works of Anders Zorn. Do you find inspiration in the old masters’ heritage or in nature alone?
Nature always was and still is an important source of inspiration to me. Many artists have inspired me and, among them, Anders Zorn and his skilful technique when painting water.
Is your style appreciated in Sweden? I heard that it is more up to date with experimental and abstract painting there?
Both in Sweden and in other Nordic countries, I have noted an increasing interest for water-colour painting.
How long does it take to work on one painting? Can you work on a few paintings at the same time?
The smaller sizes are finished in one painting session and the bigger ones need more time. I only work on and with one painting at a time.
Do you use masking fluid or opaque paints?
Yes, I use masking fluid but with great restriction. As to opaque white, I use it when painting to obtain specific effects, such as water surface e.g.
Do you paint every day?
Yes, I do.
I saw your paintings live. You seem to use a very wide range of colours. What is your “must to have” in colours which you couldn’t do without? What is your favourite brand?
My favourite brand is W & N and Russian Sankt Petersburg. My “must to have” is ultramarine, raw umber and alizarin crimson.
What brushes do you use?
I use da Vinci brushes.
What is your paper choice?
I use Arches 300 gr and 640 gr.
If you fail with a painting would you correct it or does it rather go to the garbage?
If a mistake cannot be corrected, I put it aside and start up anew.
Do you teach to paint with water-colours?
I did previously but not anymore.
What are the most important rules for a water-colour artist?
Sketching, learning how to mix colour nuances and painting every day.
Did you always paint with water-colours?
Already as a child, I started painting with water-colours. Then, during my senior school years and later at the Academy of Art , I also added the techniques of painting with oil and gouache. Yet, the water-painting always remained a constant during my training years and as time passed, the water-painting became the dominant technique in my artistic work.
Stanislaw Zoladz
I always strive to achieve a certain control over my water-colour painting. This is rarely possible and therefore, I strive to minimize my mistakes.
Stanislaw Zoladz
Your paintings are quite big. Do you paint more in studio or on location?
I work both in studio and on location. On location, I work with smaller sizes (up to 38 x 56 cm) and in the studio with the bigger sizes.
Stanislaw Zoladz
Nature always was and still is an important source of inspiration to me. Many artists have inspired me and, among them, Anders Zorn and his skilful technique when painting water.
Stanislaw Zoladz
Is your style appreciated in Sweden? I heard that it is more up to date with experimental and abstract painting there?
Both in Sweden and in other Nordic countries, I have noted an increasing interest for water-colour painting.
Stanislaw Zoladz in plain air
How long does it take to work on one painting? Can you work on a few paintings at the same time?
The smaller sizes are finished in one painting session and the bigger ones need more time. I only work on and with one painting at a time.
Stanislaw Zoladz
Do you use masking fluid or opaque paints?
Yes, I use masking fluid but with great restriction. As to opaque white, I use it when painting to obtain specific effects, such as water surface e.g.
Stanislaw Zoladz
Do you paint every day?
Yes, I do.
Stanislaw Zoladz
I saw your paintings live. You seem to use a very wide range of colours. What is your “must to have” in colours which you couldn’t do without? What is your favourite brand?
My favourite brand is W & N and Russian Sankt Petersburg. My “must to have” is ultramarine, raw umber and alizarin crimson.
Stanislaw Zoladz
What brushes do you use?
I use da Vinci brushes.
What is your paper choice?
I use Arches 300 gr and 640 gr.
Stanislaw Zoladz
If you fail with a painting would you correct it or does it rather go to the garbage?
If a mistake cannot be corrected, I put it aside and start up anew.
Stanislaw Zoladz
Do you teach to paint with water-colours?
I did previously but not anymore.
Stanislaw Zoladz
What are the most important rules for a water-colour artist?
Sketching, learning how to mix colour nuances and painting every day.
