Interviews ↓

1. Why did you choose abstract art as your primary form of expression?
I chose abstract art because it offers me unparalleled freedom. Without a fixed form or the expectation of depicting recognizable things, I can work with complete creativity and liberty.
In the abstract world, there is no "right" or "wrong" compared to visible reality. You aren't bound to representing an object as the eye is accustomed to seeing it. Instead, I can convey emotions directly, without having to take a detour through symbols or figures.



2. Which elements or themes appear most frequently in your work?
Abstract forms and strokes appear most frequently in my work; they form the foundation of my visual language. For me, it’s less about geometry and more about the use of line—such as strokes that create movement and rhythm, and surfaces that interact with one another to create depth without being a concrete reflection of reality. However, I am currently experimenting more intensely with a new layer: alienated or altered animals and objects.



3. How do color and material influence your artistic process?
I am passionate about working with harmonious colors. For me, the interplay of shades is crucial for creating a specific atmosphere or a sense of calm within the painting. The colors shouldn't fight against each other; they should form a unity that invites the viewer to linger.
In many of my works, gold and silver are central and vital elements. These materials bring a unique light reflection and a sense of value to the pieces. They provide highlights that can change the entire perception of the image depending on the light, bridging the gap between raw texture and a certain elegance.
In the coming period, I find myself drawn back toward three-dimensionality: I want to create more sculptures again. My approach here is very conceptual: I take objects that everyone knows, alienate them, and combine these found objects with familiar things or the names of famous personalities.



4. Where do you draw your inspiration from?
My inspiration is as diverse as life itself. I don’t limit myself to a single source; instead, I allow influences from many different directions to flow into my work.
I take my inspiration directly from the world around us. This can be social trends, travels, or simply the everyday dynamics of life. I filter everything I see and experience through my artistic perception.
A major pillar of my work is pop culture. I am fascinated by what moves people—icons, trends, and the visual language of the media. These modern influences often act as a counterweight to the more classical elements in my work and give them contemporary relevance. Nature, of course, plays an important role as well.



5. Do you follow a specific process, or do you work instinctively?
With my purely abstract works, I don’t follow a rigid plan. I work completely instinctively. In those moments, the shapes and colors simply pour out of me. It is a very free, almost meditative process where I immerse myself fully in the moment and the dynamics on the canvas. Here, feeling takes center stage, not calculation.
However, when I work on pieces featuring animal motifs, my approach changes. I adhere to the natural guidelines. The anatomy or the characteristic silhouette of the animal serves as my anchor point.
"I seek balance: Nature provides the frame, but abstraction gives the work its soul and my personal signature."
It is a constant interplay between respect for the real form and the absolute freedom of the line.



6. What projects or goals do you want to achieve in the near future?
As mentioned, a major focus is on creating more sculptures again. I want to deepen the concepts surrounding everyday objects and their connection to personalities. Working in three-dimensional space offers a tactile change of pace from painting.
In my painting, I plan to change the size of the canvas. I want to literally go beyond the current edges and paint larger pieces. This gives my abstract forms and strokes more room to unfold and allows for a completely different physical dynamic while working.
Even though I have clear visions, it is important to me not to create unnecessary pressure. My goal is for every new work—whether a sculpture or a large-format painting—to emerge
organically from my current creative phase.



"To think bigger, for me, doesn't mean moving faster, but giving creativity more space.”

1. Why did you choose abstract art as your primary form of expression?



I chose abstract art because it allows me to depict states that defy easy definition. My work often revolves around movement, layering, and change—things that resist fixed forms. Abstraction gives me the freedom to make these processes visible without defining them.



2. Which elements or themes appear most frequently in your work?



Central elements in my work are layering, superimposition, and the tension between density and dissolution. Some pieces are very dense and energetic, others almost minimalist and serene. I am interested precisely in this interplay—between control and letting go, between structure and fragmentation.



3. How do color and material influence your artistic process?



For me, color is a direct expression of energy and mood. In some pieces, I work very intensely and with high contrast, in others more minimally and fluidly. The material plays an active role – through layering, blurring or overpainting, processes are created that I do not completely control, but consciously allow.



4. Where do you get your inspiration?



My inspiration comes less from concrete motifs than from perception and inner states. Often it's moods, memories, or transitions that occupy my mind. Some works have an almost landscape-like quality, without depicting real places—rather, they represent inner spaces or states.



5. Do you work according to a set process or intuitively?



I work intuitively and deliberately leave the intention open. The process develops from what happens in the image—through layering, reaction, and also by allowing a loss of control.



6. What projects or goals would you like to achieve in the near future?



I would like to further explore and more consciously emphasize the contrasts in my work—between density and stillness, between color and reduction. At the same time, it's important to me to bring my work more into dialogue, for example, through exhibitions or new contexts in which it can be perceived.

How did your artistic journey begin?

I’ve been creative ever since I was a child. More than 20 years ago, I began dedicating myself seriously to painting. Being a self-taught artist, my development has been enriched by various studio courses with professional artists and art educators over the years. These experiences helped shape and deepen my individual artistic voice.

Where do you draw inspiration for your abstract works?
Nature is one of my greatest sources of inspiration – especially seascapes. The play of light on water, the movement of waves, the clouds playing in the sky, the textures of rock and sand – all of these elements find their way into my work in abstract form. I’m particularly fascinated by the colours of the sea: shades of blue, turquoise, and sandy tones captivate me and often become the foundation of my compositions. I’m also inspired by emotions, inner states, and the beauty found in contrast and imperfection.

Which techniques do you prefer to use?
I work primarily in abstract and mixed media. I love exploring different materials and combining textures, layers, and colour fields. I often use acrylics, pastes, natural pigments, structure-forming elements and sometimes found materials. These methods allow me to explore different textures and layers, adding depth and dimension to my work. I’m fascinated by how surfaces can be shaped and transformed to evoke both emotion and atmosphere.
Do you follow a structured process or let instinct guide you?

My creative process is very intuitive. While I usually start with a loose idea or mood or even a rough concept, I allow my instincts as well as the materials, colours, and emotions to guide me as the piece evolves. It’s a kind of dialogue between me and the canvas – a spontaneous and fluid interaction rather than a fixed plan. This balance helps me stay true to my vision while embracing spontaneity.

What message do you wish to convey through your art?

My art is about creating emotional and aesthetic experiences through colour and structure. I want my works to touch hearts, brighten spaces, and evoke a sense of joy, lightness, and depth. I want viewers to feel a connection to the piece, to explore their own emotions and thoughts, and to find beauty in the abstract. Through abstract forms, I aim to open up spaces for reflection, feeling and inner movement.

What are your aspirations and future dreams as an artist?
My dream is to keep evolving – experimenting with new materials, exploring new formats, and sharing my art with a wider audience, both online and in physical spaces. I hope to collaborate with other artists, participate in international exhibitions, and continue to inspire and connect with people through my work.

1. How did your artistic journey begin?


My artistic journey began in early childhood. I loved painting, reading, and inventing stories, which I turned into little picture narratives. Both of my grandfathers were artistically gifted. My paternal grandfather, whom I never met, was an excellent draftsman. My father painted in oils as a hobby, so I was introduced to painting at a young age and began experimenting on my own. Early on, I knew I wanted to study art.

2. Where do you find inspiration?

For me, life itself—with all its contradictions—is the greatest source of inspiration. Nature, urban spaces, and both personal and societal tragedies influence my work. I've always been fascinated by history: from prehistoric cave paintings and ancient sculptures to classical art, especially from ancient Egypt, as well as the art of Indigenous cultures. During my studies, I explored funerary rituals and grave design—subjects that still resonate in my art today.

3. What techniques do you use?

My academic focus was on drawing. From that foundation, I developed unique collage techniques, in which I partially cover my works with transparent paper. This creates a special sense of layering—some elements fade, others emerge.
In my painting, I also work in multiple layers: I paint over surfaces, uncover sections, and add drawn elements. The result is a sense of depth and movement, where transformation becomes visible.

4. Do you follow a process or work by instinct?

My mind is constantly filled with images, forms, and ideas—especially for abstract and abstract-figurative compositions. But the actual artwork only takes shape during the creative process, and often changes fundamentally along the way. I don’t follow a fixed plan; instead, I let intuition, materials, and the moment guide me.

5. What message do you want to share through your art?

I don't seek to convey simple, straightforward, or even bold messages. Rather, my art is about deeper engagement—with oneself, the world, experiences, and emotions. I want my works to touch people, invite discovery, and offer space for individual stories and emotional resonance.

6. What are your future dreams as an artist?

My biggest dream is to be able to make a full living from my art—to work freely, without material or spatial limitations, and to create without compromise. I also long for recognition—both public visibility and personal feedback. No artist can thrive without resonance; appreciation is an essential source of energy and motivation for any creative person.
A dream that is unlikely to come true would be one of those large old loft studios in the heart of SoHo in Manhattan.

• How did your artistic journey begin?

I am 55 years old and for the first 50 years of my life I didn’t paint or do anything creative. I was told when I was very young that I was not a creative person. Shortly after my 50th birthday.
I had a strong internal desire to paint and create. I’ve been painting for the last five years in my converted garage. I had not attempted to sell display or show my art to anyone, I was doing it for the pure joy. The beginning of 2025 my 21year old son persuaded me to set up a website and post my paintings online as he believed other people should see them. I agreed.

• Where do you find inspiration?
I get inspiration everywhere. l am fascinated how life turns you in different directions.
As humans we seem to be constantly trying to change our environment to suit us, although some of worlds most inspiring wonderful places, are untouched by humans. My paintings can reflect the chaos and untouched wilderness clashing with the order and control. I like to explore different colours different shapes and embrace any imperfections in the wood or the paint. 

• What techniques do you use?
I use lots of different techniques. I mostly use acrylic on wood either plywood or MDF I like to cut this into random shapes to help change the perspective of the viewer. I will also use ink and spray paint on some paintings. I like to put down several base coats and build up from there. As the painting evolves you can see the original coat of paint.

• Do you follow a process or work by instinct?
I start painting with an idea but this can go in a different direction depending on the technique I’m using and the emotions of that moment.
I rarely finish painting in one day so when I return  to complete the painting with different emotions and different feelings it can change the direction of the painting which I absolutely love. 

• What message do you want to share through your art?
I love the process of painting. I love looking at my paintings and I hope other people do as well. I guess the main message through my painting is just be proud of who you are. Love and respect yourself and others embrace all our perfect imperfections.
 

• What are your future dreams as an artist?
I don’t look too far into the future. Im sure all amateur artists say the same thing. I would love painting to be my full-time occupation as painting is not my occupation. I do it for the pure joy and will continue to do that wherever it takes me.

How did your artistic journey begin?

When I was a child, I was already a natural drawer, when I was adult I decided to study fine arts and go to art school. I then began my career as an artist. But life took a very long break. I had a salaried job that extinguished my creativity. You could say that my artistic journey only began a year ago, when I decided to start painting again and become a full-time artist!

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in everything I can see, all the visual arts inspire me, especially the work of my peers. Thanks to social networks!
Music too!

What techniques do you use?

Before I devoted myself entirely to painting, I wanted to get away from it, so I used to cut up my paintings to reshape them. I mixed oil on canvas with resin to create hybrid objects, and this experimentation reconciled me with painting, so since
I've been painting in oil on canvas and I don't cut up my paintings anymore! But my process remains the same: How to create space?

Do you follow a process or work by instinct?

Both!
I think I always try to combine letting go and control.
I construct my painting as an abstract architecture whose elements are an organic propagation with the aim of creating worlds.

What message do you want to share through your art?

My painting is an invitation to the imagination. A perceptive and personal journey, an open painting with as many entrances and exits. Everyone tells their own story and travels through a world in motion.

What are your future dreams as an artist?

Show my artwork to the world!
find a good gallery that believes in my vision!
I think this is the wish of all emerging artists.
But my greatest dream as an artist would be to be able to paint and experiment for the rest of my life.

How did your artistic journey begin?


My artistic journey began by taking classes at "Energy Circle Painting," driven by the desire to express the energy pulsing within me. I quickly noticed that others responded well, and my paintings were hung in a dentist's office ☺

Where do you find inspiration?

I find inspiration in myself inspired by nature and the beautiful surroundings on the „Ammersee“ – I strive to express my inner feelings, mood or tensions and to process them in my paintings.

What techniques do you use?

Technique: Multi-layered work with filler, gesso, various acrylic paints, oil pastels, charcoal, newspaper… mostly on canvas but also on paper

Do you follow a process of work by instinct?

I mostly work by instinct – a wonderful form of expression. I can only stop painting when I feel satisfied and joyful. If this is not the case, the picture will be put „in the corner“ and will be brought out again at a later time.



What Message do you want to share through your Art?

With my paintings I want to invite the viewer to feel addressed and to observe and follow the impulses they trigger within them. I want to convey a sense of joie de vivre, but also provide food for thought.

What are your Future dreams as an Artist?

I wish to create a powerful and inspiring atmosphere where people can find something needful for their contemporary feelings and personal development.

• ¿Cómo comenzó tu trayectoria artística? Siempre me gusto dibujar y pintar pero no fue hasta el 2020 que decidí dejar mi trabajo habitual e iniciar este viaje que me hace tan feliz.
• ¿Dónde encuentras inspiración? En la naturaleza y mis propias emociones.
• ¿Qué técnicas utilizas? Mi obra se expresa en capas utilizo acrílicos, pigmentos, barras al oleo y técnicas mixtas.
• ¿Sigues un proceso o trabajas por instinto? Tengo mis rutinas de trabajo pero la intuición también forma parte de ellas.
• ¿Qué mensaje quieres transmitir a través de tu arte? Quiero hablar del paso del tiempo, de resilencia y de encontrar la serenidad dentro del caos.
• ¿Cuáles son tus sueños para el futuro como artista? Seguir aprendiendo e investigando, disfruntando de este viaje como artista , mostrar mis obras y que conecten con las personas.

My name is Valentina Ritorova.
When I was 15, I came to St. Petersburg for a few days and came to the Hermitage. A huge museum, but when I entered the Impressionist hall, other exhibits ceased to interest me. I stayed in this hall for a long time, “drowned” in their paintings.
Then there were visits to numerous exhibitions, independent study of the history of painting and architecture. In the 2000s, I heard about an art teacher who could teach anyone to draw, and decided to try. And it became my hobby.
I studied at courses (2019-2025) on the basics of painting, texture painting and abstract painting, and gradually realized that abstract painting is closest to me, landscapes and the sea are interesting.
I participated in 13 international exhibitions; two of my paintings took second place in two competitions; several paintings were sold.
I am close to K. Pissarro and O. Renoir, J. Seurat and P. Signac, S. Dali and R. Delaunay, G. Richter and M. Rothko.

2. I simply love painting and do it almost every day. Each painting for me is a journey into the unknown, a dialogue with the canvas and paints.
I like this magic. In the beginning - a white canvas, on which there is nothing yet; there is the Great White Emptiness. Then the first stroke and the story begins. After it - the next, and the next ... And now there is no Emptiness, Something is born.
And then - the process of filling the picture with life: color, strokes. And in the end - here it is: my Creation.

3. I paint with oil and acrylic, I use texture paste.
Oil, the feeling of smoothness and pliability of which for mixing paints I like, remains my favorite.
Texture paste creates texture and provides special opportunities to highlight the relief, and acrylic easily interacts with texture paste, allowing you to complement and emphasize its features.

4. I follow the process and work instinctively, in dialogue with the painting.
Most of all, I like abstraction: it gives the opportunity to think broadly and embody ideas in metaphors, and colors add expressiveness and evoke emotions. Abstract paintings attract attention because you want to look at them more than once; to reveal the mysteries in the images, to conduct a dialogue with them in the same way as I do in the process of working with paintings.
I express my emotions, my world in them. The viewer continues to co-create them, creating their own worlds. In abstraction, the viewer is my co-author.

5. I really like bright colors that give strength and energy, inspire and give a good mood, creating a special atmosphere in the room.
And this is well conveyed in the plots dedicated to summer - the brightest season of nature and life.
Everything is blooming. The sun warms, warm rains wash away the dust. The sea gives coolness, thunderstorms refresh.
I want this to live in the house or office in the form of my paintings, preserving a lively bright mood and bringing joy even in the cold season and life, reminding: everything passes, and soon the joy of summer will come again. And the owner of the painting can come to my painting at any time and feel it.

6. Of course, I dream of delighting viewers at personal exhibitions and acquiring paintings so that they will delight their owners for a long time.
Will I dare the thought that someday my painting will be acquired by a museum, or the paintings will end up in large galleries or at exhibitions in Basel or similar? For now, most likely, I will not dare ... But everything is possible, isn't it?