Alexander Bobryshev was born on July 28, 1958, in the village of Nizhnyaya Dobrinka, Volgograd region, Russia. He later studied art at the Kharkov State Art College in Ukraine, graduating in 1977. Since then, he has lived and worked in Kharkov, where he continues his artistic practice today.
He began his career in 1977 as a monumental artist, creating mosaics, metal works, and wall paintings. While doing this, he also studied watercolor technique on the side. In 1989, he became a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. Over time, he chose watercolor as his favorite medium and material for creativity.
His creative process is quite unique. He first paints sketches in oil, and then translates them into watercolors. Because watercolor is so unpredictable, each final piece is a one-of-a-kind original that cannot be exactly replicated. This makes his work both challenging and special. He exhibits a wide range of subjects, including portraits, urban and marine landscapes.
“Кажется, художник не просто рисует, он создает эмоции, которые чувствует.”
That quote translates to: “It seems the artist doesn’t just draw, he creates the emotions he feels.” This perfectly captures his artistic philosophy. His watercolors are often described as being filled with air and light. He doesn’t just depict a scene, he tries to convey the emotion and atmosphere of the moment, transporting the viewer into his unique world.
His talent has been recognized on the international stage. In Hong Kong, a jury recognized him as one of the TOP-20 watercolorists in the world. He has participated in over 30 group exhibitions since 1986 in countries like Ukraine, Poland, Hungary, and Italy. He has also been a participant in international watercolor biennales and festivals.
Here’s an interesting fact: he has dedicated 35 years of his life to watercolor, creating hundreds of paintings. He has held dozens of solo exhibitions in different countries. His work is so admired that reproductions of his paintings are used on the covers of watercolor paper folders. He remains an active and influential figure in the contemporary watercolor world.
Q: What makes Alexander Bobryshev’s watercolors unique?
A: His process begins with oil sketches, which he then translates into unrepeatable watercolor originals. His work is known for its emotional depth and luminosity.
Q: Where does Alexander Bobryshev live and work?
A: He was born in Russia but has lived and worked in Kharkov, Ukraine, for most of his career. He is a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine.