Interview with Blanca Alvarez | Spain | Guest Painter | Watercolour

RK : Please give us a few words of introduction about yourself.

I from Spain, I live in a city next to the beach, this makes me love to paint the sea. Since I was little I have loved the art. The world of art it´s so exciting. I feel so grateful to be able to dedicate myself to what I like the most.

RK : When did you first realize that you really loved painting? Were there any instances that you can recall in particular that made you choose to concentrate on creating art?

Since I was little I liked to paint. At sixteen years old I started to learn technique in a local art academy but my family and the society took me to study economics. But when I finished my studies, art gallery of my city offered me to do a solo exhibition. That was the instance that made me choose to concentrate on creating art.

RK : Has anybody guided you along your career path as an artist and if so who?

Yes, an artist from my city, Miguel Linares, he taught me to paint, he taught me technique and advise me at the beginning of my career.

RK : Who are some artists you admire?

I admire Trevor Chamberlain, Charles Reid, Joaquin Sorolla or Andrew Wyeth.

RK : Why did you choose watercolor as your medium? Was watercolor the first medium you chose, or did you dabble with others first?

I come to watercolor because of my grandmother's sister, a very fighter and entrepreneur woman. She among other techniques, painted with watercolor and I wanted to learn as well. But from the first moment, watercolor conquered me, it is unpredictable, you can´t control it 100%, water also decides. I love the transparency and fluidity of this technique.

My first medium was charcoal after I painted some oils but very early I feel in love with watercolor.

RK : What’s your favorite piece of art that you’ve created?

I have some special pieces but not favorites, they are special by their meanings or by the emotions that I experienced when painting them

RK : How does creating art make you feel?

When I´m creating art I feel complete and happy.

RK : What is the best part about working with watercolors?

I love the transparency and fluidity of this technique.

RK : What is the most challenging part about working with watercolors? Why?

It is unpredictable, you can´t control it 100%, water also decides.

RK : What do you believe is a key element in creating a good composition?

I think that the rhythm is very important and also the light.

When we are starting to learn we should have clear the rule of three thirds and some different kinds of compositions (in L, in diagonal, in pyramid, etc.) and work with that.

RK : How can people buy your art?

To buy my art people can contact me by facebook: www.facebook.com//blancaalvarez.art or by intagram @blancaalvarezwatercolors.

RK : Do you have any upcoming shows or exhibitions that you’ll be attending?

Next year I´m going to take part for my third time in Art Revolution Taipei (Taiwan) and for mi first time in one of the most important Watercolor Festival in France (Brioude)

RK : Any words of wisdom to aspiring artists who want to pursue a similar career?

I hope that everybody who have the dream of dedicate his career to art could achieve it. People who want that have to work a lot, paint a lot. Art is equally selfish and rewarding.

RK : Have you ever been to India and anything you know about Indian Art & Culture?

I have never been to India, but I know a lot of Indian artists. I think there are a very large and interesting movement around the watercolor in India.

RK : We (Retro Kolkata) are trying to make a bridge between National and International Art & Culture By featuring National & International personalities who already have made their own path in their respective fields and we think your story and tips might help the newcomers to build their career. Please say something about our initiative and any special message for your Indian followers.

All the initiatives that value art and culture seem wonderful to me. And to make bridges between countries and cultures are very necessary today. So thank you so much for your Idea and for your beautiful project!

I believe that through art we have the tools to make a better world.