DPW Spotlight Interview: Galina Podgorbunskikh

Each week we will spotlight a different DPW artist who will give away one of their best paintings. To enter to win Galina's painting "Red Apple" go to Daily Paintworks and click on the link at the top of the page announcing their interview.

From Galina's DPW Gallery Page:

I like to draw, travel, and play sports. I put all my impressions and love of life into my paintings. I hope you feel it. The world around is beautiful and it can be conveyed in colors. Art helps me overcome the challenges that can be encountered.

What did you want to be growing up?

I drew well as a child, I wanted to become an artist. But I didn't study painting anywhere.

When did your artistic journey begin?

The Internet has opened up many opportunities for online learning and somehow my husband gave me drawing courses, knowing that I like to draw. During these courses, I realized that I lacked a basic academic education. I found academic drawing and painting courses in my city and started studying at them. Teachers from the university and the art school taught there. Then I continued to study online with teachers, I chose the courses that I needed myself.

Red Apple
(click to view)

Enter to win by clicking on the link at the top of the DPW home page announcing Galina's interview.

Did you have long periods without creative expression? How did you get back on the horse?

There was a period during the Covid-19 pandemic, when my relatives began to get sick. I was depressed. But painting helped me here, starting to paint small works, I was distracted while working and this helped me a lot.

Which mediums and genres do you gravitate toward? Which ones don’t appeal?

I like to draw landscapes and still lifes. I am less interested in historical genres and battle genres.

Goldfish
(click to view)

What was the process like of pinpointing your personal style or finding your voice?

I'm still looking for my own style, but there are artists whose works I really like.

Name an artist (or artists), well-known or not, who you admire. Why?

Konstantin Korovin, Nikolai Feshin, Pierre-Auguste Renoir, Claude Monet. I admire the color of the paintings, the color combinations, how the emotions of the artist are conveyed by color. 

River
(click to view)

If you could offer one piece of advice to your younger, creative self — what would that be?

They are not afraid to express themselves, follow their intuition.

Do you utilize any habits or tricks for winning the distraction and procrastination battle?

I watch paintings by my favorite artists and listen to music. I also like to travel and get inspiration for new works there.

Apple Slices
(click to view)

In moments of self-doubt or adversity, how do you push forward?

I'm just trying to get through this period, I tell myself that all this will pass and there will be a good streak in my life.

What are some of your long and short term goals for yourself or your art?

I want to continue studying academic drawing. I want to paint portraits. I do not set long-term goals yet, I am still an amateur in painting.

Sunny Pears
(click to view)

What does success mean to you personally?

Success for me is painting professionally.

What is one of your proudest moments in your creative life?

I am proud that I can draw, that my paintings bring joy to people. Each work is filled with my emotions. I hope people see this.

Kettle with Grapefruit
(click to view)

Thanks, Galina!

© 2021 Sophie Marine