Today I thought I would share with you a few of the wonderful paintings made by our tutor Varvara Neiman, who will be with us again this year for another of her inspiring painting courses. We would love you to join us.
The painting above, oil on canvas, is called Passion Fruits. Varvara says: “I was stopped by the beauty of this narrative subject of passion fruit overgrowing an old, flimsy fence leaning under the weight of it. Little splashes of orange against green leaves shining in the evening sunlight were echoed by oranges, purples and greens of the village in the background “
And how about this Vineyard View, also oil on canvas?
Varvara says: “The narrow format of the canvas was chosen to reinforce the impression of a long vineyard leading to the back of an old pink house. All sides of the canvas are painted too, which gives the painting an even stronger perspective, so the viewer can appreciate the rich colourful textures of the vine as well as a gentle pinks of the background.
And here is one of my favourites, called Morning Gossip.
Varvara says: “I witnessed the morning scene of local ladies meeting in the street, discussing last night’s village party – and their pets have a gossip, too. They were part of the beautiful mosaic of morning colours were so nice and clear that I painted the whole thing full of humour.”
Varvara will be back with us again at the Watermill this September for a week-long course in water-based oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolours next September. (Details and link below.)
Varvara Neiman, who now lives in Buckinghamshire, England, was born into an artistic family in St. Petersburg, Russia. She has an MA from the Academy of Fine Arts there. Her work combines classical discipline with a modern imagination. She is enthusiastic about painting en plein air and loves Cezanne’s famous quote: “Painting from nature is not copying the object; it is realizing one’s sensation.”
Varvara has been a popular and inspiring teacher for many years. She is skilled in oils, acrylics, pastels and watercolours and will teach in any of those mediums. (Water-based oils for easier transportation.)
During her course at the Watermill there will be group demonstrations as well as one-to-one guidance, and a friendly group atmosphere, where students can share their experiences.
Among the praise for Varvara’s teaching: “I have been coming to classes with Varvara for almost 10 years and she never ceases to amaze me both with her artistic knowledge and range of techniques.” Another student said: “Not only is she excellent teacher she is also good artist… there is no-one better to teach you.”
Come and join us! And enjoy the painting – and the village gossip!
Varvara Neiman
10-17 September 2022 Still plenty of places
Water-based oils, acrylics and watercolours
To learn more about Varvara and her course at the mill, please visit her 2022 Profile Page.
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