An Art studio has been working in Chernihiv Region Charity “Aratta” for many years. Anastasia Bakotska interviewed the talented and original group leader, Natalia Bludcha.

- About 35 kids are involved. They visit the studio once per week and our classes last for an hour.

- No, I don’t have higher art education, but I’d like to continue my education if I have an opportunity. At first I studied in Simpheropol Art School, and then Fedir Kravchuk, the Chernihiv artist, was my teacher.

- I feel a teacher’s inclination in me but I don’t want to work as a teacher of art in an ordinary secondary school. To work in Art School – it’s possible. By the way, I tried to get the job in Chernihiv Art School, but the only job was to replace teachers if they were ill. At first I agreed, but after some time, when I replaced nobody, I quit.

- Now, mostly, I make my pictures to order, but in my free time I paint for pleasure. Most of all I like to do portraits; also I like to paint landscapes, especially mountains and rivers. I like to paint in watercolors, but unfortunately, mostly I work with oil paint to order.

-Yes, I exhibited my pictures in “Plast Art” showroom and people appreciated them.

-Yes, for instance, Arkhipov, Gerasimov and Repin. As you can see I like Russian artists and their style of painting with dabs. I also like art realists such as Gauguin, Claude Monet etc.

-I don’t find myself to be so special and I like to communicate with ordinary people. In my free time I read the Bible. I’m also keen on cooking. But I have very little free time, because all my time I devote to my family.

-Yes, to some degree. My husband is a designer and he is connected with art. My six-year-old daughter studies in an Art School so she might wish to continue my passion.

Natalia is a very interesting person and it was a great pleasure to chat with her. We wish her great success in her art and all the best for the future.