Artist In Focus

Irina Kouznetsova

The School of Fedoskino

Irina was born 1963 in Russia’s city of Lobnya, which is located in the Moscow region. Since her childhood she watched her parents painting small pictures on boxes and panels. So it was only natural that she followed her parents’ example and attended the Fedoskino Art School as well, which is one of the famous four institutions where the “Old Russian School” of miniature painting is taught. In 1982 she received her diploma.

Dangerous Beauty
10 x 6 cm, 4 x 2 ⅜”
© Irina Kouznetsova

Venice Intrigue
5 x 3 cm, 2 x 1 ⅛”
© Irina Kouznetsova

In 1999 Irina moved with her family to Canada. Only a few years later she exhibited her paintings with great success in miniature shows in Canada and also in the USA. The lacquered miniature art of Fedoskino is known worldwide, Irina’s excellent paintings contribute to this.

Fur and Ice
8 x 5 cm / 3 ⅛ x 2“
© Irina Kouznetsova

Green Valley
10 x 8 cm / 4 x 3 ⅛”
© Irina Kouznetsova

These small works of art are entirely handcrafted and hand painted – making each a unique, inspired creation. Techniques for producing the authentic Russian lacquer miniatures and boxes have remained essentially the same for 150 years. Boxes, panels and other objects are made of cardboard sheets, pressed and formed, then boiled in linseed oil. The papier mâché is then baked in an oven. At this point the material can be worked like wood.

Reflection
7 x 4 cm / 2 ¾” x 1 ½”
© Irina Kouznetsova

Lillies and Fairies
7 x 5 cm / 2 ¾ x 2”
© Irina Kouznetsova

After the application of two coats of primer paint, the blank is then oven dried and given to the artist to begin the painting. Extremely fine brushes are used to achieve the fine lines and details in each painting. Artists prefer to make their own brushes and mix their own pigments. A quality lacquer miniature may take several months to complete in the “Old Masters” technique. Finally, it will be varnished and framed to look like a jewel on the wall.

Loyal Watcher
7 x 5 cm / 2 ¾ x 2”
© Irina Kouznetsova

Irina‘s miniature paintings are stylish and exquisite objects. To discover all the details and techniques it is recommended to use a magnifying glass.

She masters all categories:
human portraits, landscapes, still-lives, wildlife, pet portraits – and – especially the highly attractive and creative compositions of hyper-realistic classic style scenes of fairies and fantasy figures.

Friends at Work
6 x 6 cm / 2 ⅜ x 2 ⅜”
© Irina Kouznetsova

It is no wonder that Irina can already look back on a proud record of highest awards. To name but a few: MPSGS, Washington D.C.

Several times she received “Best Floral“, “First in International“ and “First in Oils and Acrylics“.

Under Her Wings
9 x 6 cm / 3 ½ x 2 ⅜”
© Irina Kouznetsova

MASF, Florida:
Again several “Best in all Entries“, “First in Oils“, “First in Historical and Mythical“, “Interior and Still Life“ as well as “Human Figure“ and “Portraiture“.

Her records show similar awards at SaintNicolas in Quebec.

She was also honored with the Signature Membership of the “MAA – Miniature Artists of America Society“.

Irina Kouznetsova is a highly worthy representative of
“The School of Miniature Painting of Fedoskino“

For additional information you are invited to visit and consult:

IRINA KOUZNETSOVA
www.irinaminiature.com

GALERIE LA CROIX
www.galerielacroix.com

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