Ekaterina Poliakova

naïve, mixed media @katherine.poliakova

My work captures fleeting glimpses into imagined worlds – worlds that resemble our own, yet carry a subtle sense of duality and magic.

I have two callings: psychology and art. I’ve been drawing my whole life, but I started taking it seriously about seven years ago.

Medium

I work with watercolor, gouache, pencils, acrylic, and digital media.
Sometimes I also use ink, oil pastels, and markers.

I’m deeply drawn to texture:

  • watercolor for its transparency and fluid blending into paper
  • gouache for its rich matte finish and density
  • pencils for their ability to build layers and create precise accents

Inspiration

I’m inspired by myths, fairy tales, and unexpected combinations.
I love color for what it is – not as a concept, but as something that exists on its own.

Artists I feel close to include Petrov-Vodkin, Matisse, Bruegel the Younger, and Bilibin.

Why sketchbooks?

Over time, I’ve filled quite a few of them – and unlike finished works, sketchbooks are rarely seen.

For me, a sketchbook is like a friend: a space to think, to ask questions.

At the same time, it’s a story.
And I want to share that story.

Sketchbooks

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