Liudmyla Riabkova is an artist who managed to turn her passion for color into a real art. Her path in the world of painting began with a random moment, but quickly grew into a passion that defined her style and approach to creativity. In this article, we will explore how Ludmila found her place in Impressionism, what influences shaped her as an artist, and what dreams she is still striving to realize.
Liudmyla, how did your career in art begin and what inspired you to choose the Impressionist style?
My journey began quite naturally. One day in a circle of friends, I picked up a brush, squeezed out some paints and started painting. From that moment on, it became a part of my life. Even when there were breaks for various reasons, I lived with thoughts of the next painting. Impressionism is probably the style closest to me, because it allows me to convey good moods and emotions through color. It is a style that allows you to focus on light and feeling rather than detail. I am close to its ability to fill the viewer with energy, warmth and vitality. I love bright and saturated colors because they directly affect our state of mind and evoke positive emotions. That is why warm, joyful colors prevail in my works.
What influence did studying at the World of Bright Colors studio have on your art?
Training in the studio “The World of Bright Colors” was the beginning of my creative path. I came there with a desire to try myself, and it was there that my acquaintance with the bright world of flowers took place. My mentor was a wonderful Ukrainian artist Olga Darchuk - a talented craftswoman and supporter of impressionism. She not only helped me master the technical aspects, but also inspired me with her approach to color and creativity. She showed me how emotion can be conveyed through colors. My love of bright colors has become an integral part of my art.
Liudmyla, in the confederation questionnaire you wrote that “one meeting with talented people changed everything”. Can you share this story with us?
This story is about meeting Olga Darchuk and her surroundings in a creative studio. It was a meeting that really changed everything. The warm atmosphere, interesting people and their approach to art became a huge inspiration for me. They showed me how to look at creativity in a broader, bolder way and opened new horizons. This acquaintance became an important impetus in my development as an artist, for which I am very grateful.
How do you achieve brightness and saturation of colors in your paintings, and what role does contrast play in your work?
In my paintings I focus on the brightness and saturation of colors, because they affect the emotions of the viewer. I choose warm, cheerful shades that add energy and light to the works, using contrasts for dynamics and harmony. Contrast helps to focus attention on key elements and enhances the expressiveness of the composition. I have always been attracted to painterly texture, which not only visually but also tactilely adds brightness. By experimenting, I have gradually formed a technique that is full of energy and sincerity. My works feature three-dimensional strokes that create texture and interact with the light to reveal different effects depending on the angle of view or light. This adds a dynamic feel to the paintings, as if they “live” and change throughout the day. The video of the works allows to better reveal these nuances and establish a dialog between the painting and the viewer.
Can you tell us about your experience of participating in international exhibitions and competitions?
Participation in international exhibitions and competitions has become an important part of my creative path. It is not only an opportunity to present my work to a professional jury, but also a chance to get objective feedback, which helps to improve my skills and look for new directions for development. The diplomas and awards I have received have been a powerful incentive to keep creating and experimenting. Especially valuable for me is the experience of collective exhibitions. It is always a warm atmosphere where people who are passionate about a common cause gather. Communicating with other artists allows you to share your experience and learn something new for yourself. Such events broaden my horizons, help me to look at my art from a different angle and open doors to new opportunities.
How do you keep in touch with your audience and what feedback is most valuable to you? How do you deal with criticism and does it affect your work?
My audience is predominantly on social media, and I am very grateful to everyone who takes the time to respond to my posts or share their experiences. I am fortunate to have a friendly audience which I really appreciate. I especially appreciate feedback from galleries and the words of people who have purchased my paintings, as they help me understand how my work resonates with others. Such feedback inspires, motivates me to evolve and work even harder at what I do. I am always attentive to criticism, as it can be an important guide to creativity. It is important for me to be able to listen to different points of view, even if I don't agree with them. I believe that criticism should be earned, and I treat it with great respect, especially when it is constructive and aimed at improvement.
Liudmyla, do you have a favorite painting among your works, and if so, why is it special to you?
One of the paintings I am drawn to is a portrait of Anna Cornelia Carbentus van Gogh, Van Gogh's mother. The original portrait was painted by the artist from a black and white photograph, and I am deeply inspired by the way he sought to add color to the image of his mother. In a letter to his brother Theo, he wrote, “I cannot bear a colorless photograph, and I try to make it in harmony of color as I see it in my memory.” These words are close to me, it is also important for me not only to convey appearance, but also to express feelings through color. This portrait is filled with the love of a son for his mother - and that is clinging. I created this portrait in my volumetric technique, where the work changes depending on the angle and lighting. It's as if the painting comes to life - it's not just an image, but a way to convey love and memory. There have been others after this work, but I always think of this painting and the words of the artist when I take on a new portrait.
How do you define success in your creative career?
I define success in a creative career as a combination of several important components. First of all, it is constant practice and self-improvement. An artist must regularly create new works, participate in exhibitions and competitions, and most importantly, receive feedback from the audience and colleagues. Another important criterion of success is sales. When your painting finds its owner, it confirms that it has touched someone's feelings so much that the person is ready to invest in it. This is not only recognition, but also a great source of inspiration. In addition, success is the ability to communicate your ideas to people and to feel that your art is influencing someone. This is what makes you move forward and create with renewed vigor.
How important do you think it is for an artist to publicize their talent, and what strategies do you use to do so? Perhaps something other than social media?
Publicizing talent is key to an artist's growth, especially if they are seeking recognition and commercial success. Social media is only part of the strategy. It is very important to actively participate in your community's events, exhibitions, competitions. At collective events, you can not only find like-minded people and hear feedback on your work, but also get valuable advice that can be career-changing. Today, there are many opportunities to participate in international online exhibitions and competitions, which opens doors to new markets and audiences. Online galleries are also effective in helping to showcase and sell work. Finally, building a physical portfolio helps you see the scope of your work as a whole. A successful artist is one who is constantly working, exhibiting and selling their work. Selling a painting is the best proof of talent, as it becomes part of someone's story and brings joy and inspiration.
Liudmyla, do you have a dream or goal that you have not yet realized in art?
Yes, I have a dream. I want to continue improving my technique, which experts have already marked as original and recognizable. It is important for me not only to develop it, but also to describe the technical aspects in order to leave my contribution to art. Another of my goals is to create new works that will become as iconic as my “Pears”, which have already won the love of the audience.
How do you deal with creative blocks or periods when inspiration seems to run out?
Creativity is not always smooth sailing, and periods without inspiration are normal. When inspiration fades, I don't force myself to work hard. Instead, I let go of the situation and do things that bring me joy, such as going out with friends, watching my favorite movies, or simply enjoying moments of peace. This is how I restore my inner balance and reopen the space for ideas. My creative process is not an even line. Sometimes I work on several paintings at the same time, carried away by the flow, and then there is a period of silence when I need to stop and exhale. This is my natural rhythm. In the end, inspiration always finds me again.
