Tanya Avchinnikova PS

Statement

Tactile sensation, direct communication with pure pigment, freedom of applying it on surface straight away, that’s what I love about pastel. There's something very intimate about it, very personal. No mediums in between, just you and pastels…

I paint seascapes and landscapes of the UK, focusing on closeups. 

I think it’s a reflection of my personal wish to be at those beautiful places, and with every mark making I can experience the feeling of being there again and again. Maybe that’s the reason why I do series. In my works I try to create the illusion of presense and deep unity with nature. 

Everything exists because of vibrations of earth and water. Water and grass are the best objects to me to visualize vibrations and movement. I like to watch how the light travels on water, from wave to wave, how wind creates glare on the grass on a sunny day while moving it. I like to see the traces of “invisible” things, catch them, and paint them. 

Methodology

I think the different moods of the scenes tells the painting approach. I can’t paint water slowly. Even if it’s a large detailed seascape - I’ll need spontaneous mark makings. Water moves and I should follow its flow. And tranquil landscapes with marshes, rivers would require tranquil mark making. 

Memberships

The Pastel Society 

Signature Artist of The Pastel Society of America 

Scholarships, Awards, Prizes

Unison Colour Young Artist Award 2022, The Pastel Society  

The President’s Award, 51st “Enduring Brilliance” Annual Exhibition, The Pastel Society of America, 2023

2024 West Design Award, The Pastel Society

Honorable Mention Award, The 5th Water International Juried Art Competition 2024

Exhibitions

Mall Galleries, London

The Gallery Holt, Holt, Norfolk 

RBSA Gallery, Birmingham 

The Linden Hall Studio, Deal, Kent 

The Harbour Gallery, Portscatho, Truro, Cornwall