Written by Hi! My Name is Kateryna Savchenko. I’m 27, and a mom, wife and watercolor illustrator. Originally, I’m from Ukraine and for the past four years have lived in Norway. I fell in love with Norway from my very first visit and I still think that this is one of the best places in the world!
I graduated from the university with the diploma of Bachelor In Architecture, but now watercolour painting and design – is everything for me! Another very important part of my life is Diamond Way Buddhism and most of our vocations we spend on the courses and empowerments.
How did you choose to use watercolour instead of other materials?
I was so lucky that while studying in the university we had so many hours of drawing and painting. During these 4 years, I had a chance to try most of the materials and watercolour became so special to me because this is the only one that has transparency.
And putting a few layers of paint on paper allows you to create absolutely unique colours that play and sparkle. Every watercolor painting/illustration is one of a kind and you never create a copy even if you want to.
Compared to oil paints, it’s easy to work with (as it doesn’t have the smell) and you can always take a palette with you. Two years ago, I also spent some time drawing with watercolour pencils (I still use them sometimes for botanical sketches) it was fun! Especially, I recommend them to people who find it difficult to control watercolour. But the work goes much slower and is not as spontaneous.
Could you tell us where your inspirations come from?
Well, inspiration comes from everywhere! At the beginning, inspiration mainly came from works of other artists, like those vintage botanical illustrations found on Instagram and Pinterest.
And after a while, I started my own search of beauty and elegance. It’s like a burning desire to create something absolutely unique, that would have a bit of your own personality inside. Now I make a lot of photos of flowers, fruits, and leaves to use as my own references. And now, nature is so much more inspiring to me than a few years ago.
What is your favourite illustration work so far?
Recently, I made a series of illustrations of “Drinks and Desserts” and, so far, this one is my favourite. I was working on different textures like glass, metal, textiles etc. and I think this is so exciting! All the objects, which have reflections, became so fascinating to me after this project.
And for my wedding invitation projects, I was surprised how the combination of watercolour and calligraphic pen can beautifully work together. And in the future, I plan to continue working in this technique.
How long have you been designing / drawing?
I was drawing since I remember myself. I don’t really remember much from that period, but my mom saved many of my paintings and there were a lot of princesses there. When I look at those paintings now, I’m fascinated about how many different types of cloth and dresses I managed to come up with when I was so small. And I also believe that my passion to all shades of pink started in those days.
Which other artists / designers do you most admire and why?
I’m a big fan of Russian watercolour illustrator Natalia Tyulkina! Her colour combinations and shapes are just perfect! You get a feeling that objects just shine from the inside. It’s a pity that she doesn’t teach, because my biggest dream is to see how she paints.
Kateryna Savchenko
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Behance
You painting caught me eye when I scrolled down the reader. It opened them up with it’s brightness! But I must say when I went to comment on it I was thrown off by all the other paintings and text under it. How will you know what painting I am commenting on?. Although they are also beautiful I was talking about the first one.
Layers upon layers, the details of your paintings are an absolute delight. I could just reach out and grab a drink myself from your paintings.
Keep up and good luck for all future projects.
beautiful ! the way the spoons are reflected and the sherbets painted …felt almost like having one…
stunning!
Stunning paintings! I am particularly impressed by your ability to render a wide variety of different textures in the one painting.
Your paintings are stunning! And the wedding invitation is so special! Thanks for sharing your beautiful work.
You paint in the way I have always aspired to – and you make it look so effortless. But that is the beauty of knowing your craft, isn’t it? Your work is sublime!
Så fine arbeider Kateryna! Love your style.
Kateryna, your paintings are so delicate and detailed. I love looking at each one, seeing the colors, the reflections, everything. You are amazingly talented. The world may have lost an architect but gained a great painter.
Your paintings are really lovely. Beautiful details.
Breathtaking! The light and reflections especially on the glass is so amazing. Thanks for sharing your art.
Wow! Your work is beautiful and you are so lucky to be so young and so skilled. Follow your talents and passions– you will go far! Lovely work!
Absolutely gorgeous paintings.
Awesome…
I love them
The colors seem to jump out! I love your work!
Maybe this is my favorite from your creations🐬looks like the ice magic ❄️💎✒️
Awww thanks so much! 😃
Highly engaging and eloquent post overflowing with sumblime artistry too, great work and share, thank you, regards, Barry
Beautiful. I love watercolour.
Such beauty in your paintings!! I wish I was able to use watercolours, I am so bad at it!! Well, lucky you!!! 😊
Lovely paintings!
Kateryna, your work has a delicacy and realistic detail that is very appealing! Thank you for sharing your artistic journey with us.
Oh Sandra, thank you for pointing us on Kateryna’s work. I haven’t noticed her watercolors so far. This is a Wonderland for me – so beautiful, full of light, transparency and talents! Wow!