Featured Artist of the Month - Alexander Semenko
Alex Semenko has a passion for Oil Pastels and for sharing his passion with others. Alex has been steadily working on his craft in the last year and that effort shows. He has created some beautiful paintings. And at the same time he is very involved in the online artists’ community, WetCanvas.com, where he shares insights and humor from his home in the Ukraine.
Sit back and join us as we have…
A Conversation with Alexander Semenko
How did you get started in art?
I can remember back in childhood, the process of application of paint to paper seemed quite fascinating to me. Void of any guidance, I found it difficult to find my way into art. The interest in painting and drawing fell asleep, until I rediscovered it a few years ago. I started manipulating images in photo programs, creating designs and representational imagery later. That's when I realized the need to revert to traditional mediums in order to learn drawing and painting skills and conceptions. From that time on I pursued self education in art. Working full time doesn't leave much time for it, but I enjoy my ride and appreciate acquiring artist's instincts and insights to complement the technical side of me.
Why do you create art? What does creating do for you or give to you?
I like to witness how elements, which bear no intrinsic representation of any object, take the form of any subject matter or scene. A clean sheet of paper becomes the window into something; that transformation doesn't seem to bore me. A successful finish on one painting is always rewarding to such an extent that makes it worth starting another one soon!
What attracted you to the oil pastel medium? What made you first pick them up?
I read a book about drawing, which somehow promoted the idea of using or being able to use as many mediums as you can. It was said to be good for choosing the right medium for a given subject matter or using a mixed mediums approach. That reading actually convinced me to try several mediums before I stumbled upon oil pastels. I liked them enough to use as my main medium since. I especially appreciate that happy cross between drawing and painting aspect of using them.
What artists inspire you?
For the time being I admire body of works by 19th century French Impressionists. The likes of Degas, Monet, and Renoir inspire me the most. Can't help that!
You are active on WetCanvas.com. How did that come about?
I live in an industrial city and there is no wide interest in art. Finding WetCanvas! site was a pivotal moment for me because at once I found a friendly community of artists at different stages, and a host of information and material to learn from. That's why I lingered there and utterly enjoy the activity. Interestingly, for oil pastel artists this resource is unique in the sheer volume of information and experience pertaining to this medium gathered in one place.
If you could give one piece of advice to someone starting with oil pastels, what would it be?
Patience and proper quality materials are the keys when coming to grips with oil pastels. I think the widespread idea of excessive difficulty in this medium is simply wrong.