Alfiya Ponomarenko, an artist from Saratov

[Mikhail]

Alfiya Ponomarenko artist from Saratov.
I met with Alpha in 2010. My friend introduced me to her when she was Alfiya at a party and I was fascinated by this beautiful woman. Her energy, strength, power comparable to the Hurricanes, streaking over us.
 Thunder, lightning, fireworks and champagne.
 The impression is created, it is me. I saw her a few times and I would like to introduce the forum with alpha Ponomarenko closer.
Alfiya Ponomarenko June 11, 1965 was born in Engels, Saratov region.
Took up painting in five years. In school Alfiya enrolled in art school and graduated with distinction. Then, after graduation went to art school (vocational) the name of the artist hierarchy. Already the school successfully obtained portraits of people she caught the man's character and a large portrait likeness. Especially fond of painting portraits of children. And of course, flowers, flowers in large quantities ... Often painted landscapes en plein air.
 After graduating from art school went to work in the shops at the Union of Artists of Russia, a portrait painter. At age 20, she trusted to write such important works as the portraits of the members of the Politburo, headed by Mikhail Gorbachev.
Her first solo exhibition was held in the home of Engels in 1994. In the early 2000s, Ponomarenko decided to conquer Europe. His first trip to France brought the artist to success - in December 2002 in Nice, the exhibition "Russian Winter". In 2006, 2010 Ponomarenko work exhibited in Monaco.
Alfiya Ponomarenko is an active participant of exhibitions in Saratov, Samara, Kazan, Moscow, Nizhny Novgorod, St. Petersburg.

[artcol]

Сообщение от Mikhail

Alpha Ponomarenko artist from Saratov.

Strange that I do not know her ...

[Mikhail]

Alpha, I congratulate you on your birthday, success, good health for their achievements, happiness, success and fulfillment of dreams!

With 10 of your current picture is presented here.

[Mikhail]

(Look-Info news agency Saratov from 01.02.13)
The painting "Tears of Autumn" painted Alfiya Ponomarenko is in the office of the head of department (now formally liquidated) for Interregional Relations and Public Affairs of the Saratov Regional Duma Viktor Tokarev.
This is our agency told the artist herself.
This week, with the exhibition in Parliament disappeared painting "Tears of Autumn". According to our agency, a government source region, the aesthetic preferences of the matter is that some of the Saratov officials - booth visitors.
They do not like the image of a man and woman embrace, which observes the behavior of the girl.
According to the interviewees' Look-info ", dissatisfaction expressed about the ombudsman Julia Child Erofeeva.
Alfiya Ponomarenko said about the following:
"I was in shock. I had many exhibitions in the year 1994 and nothing like this happened to me. I have nothing against the man who thought so about my picture, maybe he has the mood of the day was bad. In fact, this picture tells the story of lost love. This is a lament for lost love. I posed for my roommate, at the time she was 25 years old. I do not understand how it could see the baby? picture looked before the show, many liked it. I even had offers to sell, but now I will not sell, I will leave for memory. Or if selling it is very expensive ".
On the question of what is now the web and how to explain its disappearance from the exhibition, Ms. Ponomarenko said that "the picture is still in the Duma, but in the office of Tokarev."
"What can he explain? They told me to take off, he took off and put it to his office, with a picture that did not happen," - said the master.
Commenting on the allegations in the promotion of pedophilia, the artist stressed that "it can only deal with sick, crazy people."
"I am a normal person. Married to the same man for 26 years. Our adult son. Sake of the family I have twice refused to work abroad. I offered to stay in France and Monaco ... There is a desire to work, I am this morning I go, I touch a brush, look unfinished paintings ... You know, somewhere in the late 80's, I think in the 89th year, I was preparing the exhibition and presented their work Hudsovet. On one of the pictures was a picture my little sister. It was a dress, and she had open shoulders. This picture is not taken, and I was called a pornographic artist. I then three years did not write anything. Now I'm an adult and a much calmer react to things like this, "- said the artist.
In turn, the Commissioner for Children's Rights in the Saratov region Julia Erofeeva, referring to the common cold, promised to comment on the situation Monday, 4 February 2013.
Ponomarenko exhibition opened in Saratov Regional Duma on January 18. On display are paintings devoted to the seasons, as well as portraits of public figures, past and present - the royal reformer Pyotr Stolypin and Russian President Vladimir Putin.
(Kartina "Tears of Autumn" - i123mage.jpg)

[Mikhail]

Dmitry Ayatskov congratulated Alexy II
Daily regional newspaper "San Francisco." June 15, 2004. Number 117 (1068)
The Governor of the Saratov region Dmitry Ayatskov and the Minister - Chairman of the Regional Committee for Public Affairs Boris Shinchuk took part in the celebration of the 14th anniversary of the enthronement of His Holiness Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II, as well as the event on the occasion of the 75th anniversary of His Holiness.

Celebrations were held on June 11 in the Hall of Church Councils of the Cathedral of Christ the Savior in Moscow. At the gala concert and reception of His Holiness was invited to all the political and cultural elite of Russia.

After the mayor of Moscow, Yuri Luzhkov, the Patriarch congratulated Saratov Governor Dmitry Ayatskov. According to Boris Shinchuka, between His Holiness and Dmitri had a warm conversation. Our governor donated Alexy II of his portrait by artist Saratov Alfiya Ponomarenko. His Holiness praised the talent of the artist, gave her thanks and svyu patriarchal blessing.

Talking with Dmitry Ayatskov, Alexy II thanked him for all that he and the Government of Saratov region are doing to strengthen Orthodoxy. His Holiness said Dmitry Ayatskov that in tough times is very worried about the governor of Saratov, but always believed and will believe in him. His Holiness blessed the holding in Saratov Orthodox Youth Congress, scheduled for June 28, 2004, and confirmed his intention to visit the Saratov region.

[Mikhail]

For the first time in the history of Monaco in the gallery "Maison de la Latin America de" at the residence of Europe held solo exhibition of paintings by artists from Russia. The exhibition was held in a friendly atmosphere. There were a large number of invited guests. The Government of Monaco, titled persons, residents of Monaco and Monte Carlo, guests from France, Italy, England and Germany.
Of Russia at the opening ceremony attended E.V.Kameneva - managing director of the Saratov region. Was read a letter from the Governor of the Saratov region P.L.Ipatova. Russian Honorary Consul in Monaco, Claude Pallanca, was donated by Crystal starlet - a symbol of the Saratov region and books of our province.
Great impression on the guests of the show have made portraits of Vladimir Putin and Albert II. Portrait of His Highness Albert II was later purchased and presented to him on the day a national holiday in Monaco. The prince was pleased with the portrait. At the moment, there is a portrait of his family castle.
A portrait of Russian President Vladimir Putin like the guests for his smart and kind eyes, they wanted to buy, but we responded: "Putin is not for sale."
I liked the 4 seasons as Women Winter, Spring, Summer, Fall. It has sold more than 9 works. The organizers were pleasantly surprised by the success of the exhibition, was asked to sign a contract for the next show in 2009. Some visitors to the exhibition have made orders for portraits.
http://p-alfia.narod.ru/monaco (source)

[Mikhail]

Alfiya PONOMARENKO: When you sit at home, the price does not know
Saratov business magazine "WHAT." February-March 2010. № 1-2 (63-64).
Interviewed Hope SVIRIDOVA
 Three years have passed since that moment, as in the principality of Monaco, the first solo exhibition of the artist Saratov Alfiya Ponomarenko. And at the end of 2009 in Monaco, Monte Carlo, it was another opening day.
- How long do you cook and show how much work has been presented in it?
- All three years and prepared. From the previous exhibition in Monaco there are only 24 works. And I was introduced to a new 58 canvases. Consequently, for a new exhibition, I wrote 34 pictures. When I say that I work sometimes 16 hours a day, the French are much surprised. It's really very easy. I never go over to the easel, if I do not suit the mood. But besides preparing for the exhibition I spent those three years, more and earning our bread, wrote to order and portraits, and flowers.
- How are you funneling canvases in Monaco? Who helped you pack them?

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- The husband helped. We have come up with it yourself, how to pack for more pictures of the first exhibition. Sewed hefty bags, each of which could climb of two. In the bags, foam pads inserted to frame the pictures were not broken. Frames for his work, I always order a "Artmaster" Sergei Petrovich Skidanova. We have been friends for many years. Unfortunately, the pictures can not be forwarded by mail. All my show I made out at the customs office in Moscow, all the documents for export. At the airport to the bags attached special sticker "handle with care" and handed over to the luggage, as in the cabin of their take was impossible, the dimensions are not suitable for hand luggage. From Moscow to Nice 3.5 hours of summer, all delivered safely.
- You came to Monte Carlo for a week before the opening of the exhibition. How long did it take for the exposure? Who helped you hang pictures?
- I helped Helen Abashkin - my official representative in France. We have it all done in half a day and went to a restaurant. Russian do anything.
- How many people came to the opening of the exhibition?
- I did not think, but I think that is over 100 people. The exhibition was held in the "Maison de la Americas Latin", in two relatively small rooms connected by a gallery, so the crush was decent. French was very pleased that I was trying to speak to them in their native language, even with errors. The main thing that I understood everything. Of course, the reply I was preparing for the opening of the exhibition in advance. I would like to say is beautiful, and so I asked to translate my speech Helen Abashkin. But with all the customers, visitors to the exhibition, the officials I talked to yourself, as all these three years trying to improve my French. But Lena I certainly helped, because the people were very much.
- Who are the officials were at the opening?
- Unfortunately, the Prince of Monaco, this time was away at the show it was not, but had his representatives. There were also representatives of the company, "Molinari", which sells jewelry, local luxury hotels, which would later hold an exhibition of my paintings at the hotel. There were many titled persons. Many of the visitors to my exhibition in 2006 and came to the opening of this. A nice woman, who last bought two paintings exhibition with irises, this has bought two canvases with these colors. I was very pleased. She said that she was brought to France a little girl, she had Russian roots. The descendants of Russian immigrants whose parents fled Russia during the revolution in 1917, apparently, it is interesting to visit the exhibition of Russian artists. On the first day I bought four paintings, then two more, and two more. Before me, there was an exhibition of local artists from Monaco. He bought from the show just one picture, and I have eight.
The British offered me to do another event in London. French - two more exhibitions in Monaco and Nice. The issue is solved. Next event will be I do not know when, but I know where: three fountains in the square in Monte Carlo, in the gallery of the "Sporting", which are usually held various important events. It will be one of these events with the VIR-persons. Maybe I still have time to write at this point a few new works and bring them. I also ordered a portrait of the Countess of Monaco, a descendant of an ancient race. She wanted to have a portrait of my hand, seeing the portrait of Princess Grace at the show.
- Why the Princess Grace on your canvas so sad? And why did you put this picture on a poster exhibition?
- I found out about the Princess much more than it says about in magazines and books. Maybe that's why she turned me on canvas so sad. I know her life, I know what it was to be a princess ... she loved who did not love. Who among senior women was much happy on earth? Maybe for some brief moments ... God loves a trinity. Portraits of her husband and son, I wrote. Since it was not a portrait of his wife, a mother, who died so young and tragically. Even more so - it's so beautiful. And, in the end, I am also a woman. Everyone loved the vibrant, expressive eyes of Princess Grace, the very quality of the painting, then, as I wrote organza and embroidery. They said that this is the best portrait of the Princess.
- How do you spend your time in addition to the exhibition?
- Went to museums, walking in the park near the castle. The castle is now closed, tourists are only allowed to him in the summer. The sea went, though afraid to swim. One was. If someone was beside her, then bathed would fail. Although at this time of the year in Monaco bathe only walruses and Russian. But on 19 November, I was sunbathing on the balcony. It was very warm.
- Well, what about other weather in Monaco? The crisis is felt?
- There are fewer people on the streets than in 2006. Usually the New Year in Monaco arrives a lot of tourists. Many local residents have sold their houses.
- Who bought them?
- They say that all Russian buying. In Monaco, I even met, one familiar from Russia. Everywhere is full of Russian. Very large discount stores, which have never in Monaco I have not seen for 50-70 percent. At charity auctions wealthy people collect money for children in countries where there is war. But this year the fees are much less than even in the past 2008. Many refuse to existing arrangements. It is easier to lose the down payment than the full amount. Only the building is well under way. In general, all the flowers and smells the same. But in the casino at this time I did not go for economic reasons.
- When Saratovites see your show?
- I do not know. Monaco have not yet let go ... I have already said goodbye to this hospitable small country, said thank Monte Carlo, where I was so wonderfully made, because two solo exhibitions of the artist for the provincial abroad - it's pretty cool actually. They raised me very self-esteem. And in fact when you sit at home, the price does not know. But then, after the close of the show, I met with the Honorary Consul of Monaco Claude Pallanca, and he asked me to do another exhibition in the gallery "Sporting". So I do not see any reason to return the painting to Saratov and do an exhibition here, but then again all carry in Monaco, Monte Carlo. It's hard to even physically. Documents on the export issue. What is the point to carry such a load back and forth?
- You said that this year in Nice - the year of Russia. How does it feel? In what ways?
- It's Christmas trees, fallen asleep by snow foam. In the middle of the square stands a large tree, all a painted garlands and toys, and around the forest of artificial Christmas trees. Also on the square built a mock-up of the Orthodox Cathedral, next to which all the pictures. Cathedral only twice the height of a man. Next to it - huge Russian nesting dolls taller than a man with whom tourists are photographed in an embrace. I walked among these artificial Christmas trees and snow, missed the winter. On the night of my departure from France snowed in Nice. At the hour of the night. I looked at him and regretted that in the morning the snow has melted and no one will see it. But in the courtyards Dolezal it until the morning, and the children and youth in the morning in full play in the snow, they were glad, taking pictures and screaming with delight. In the morning whistling machine "emergency" in the city. Apparently, the night still frozen homeless, although the local rescue service give them blankets and sleeping bags. They are fed free of charge twice a day. Sotssluzhby work here is very clear. A wonderful place on earth - the south of France, but even here there are homeless people.
- When you will go to London?
- We'll see. While on the agenda is still Monaco.
- A Moscow?
- In Moscow, I had an exhibition in March 2004 at the gallery "EXPO-88". Since then I have nothing to show to the capital of not finishing. Rather meal by the songs. Here's return from France, then we'll see. Exhibition - the responsible thing, which is not done in a hurry. Especially in Moscow. I'm writing some of the work for six months. For works of philosophical insights are needed. And that requires a different amount of time than flowers.

[Mikhail]

Alfiya Ponomarenko , " our artists in the west of love and fear "
July 9, 2009 , 10:56
Author: Catherine Ferenets


Portraitist Alfiya Ponomarenko - now, perhaps, the most demanded Saratov painter in Europe. Her works are in the exhibition halls of Monaco, Nice, Cannes, as well as in private collections around the world. Among the heroes of paintings Ponomarenko famous people , past and present : Peter I , Yuri Luzhkov , Pyotr Stolypin, and Dmitry Medvedev , the Dalai Lama and Vladislav Tretiak . Favor the creativity of the artist and many Saratov VIP, who will have his own portrait . Now Alfiya Ponomarenko is preparing its second solo exhibition in Monaco , to be held next fall . The correspondent of " Look " met with a renowned master , to find out how she was able to "open a window to Europe" , and why she does not want to go abroad .

Gorbachev "THREE TO FOUR "

- Alpha, where did your passion for painting ?

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- As a child I was very observant child . I especially liked the country to examine the flowers and all sorts of bugs . My mother and grandmother noticed it right away and gave me a crayon circle at the Engels house pioneers. Having been an art school and finally Bogolyubov school. Oh, it was a fun time . Exemplary behavior I was no different , for what sometimes received . A chastened me ... painting.
The current director of the College Stanislas K. Taratuchin was my favorite , but the most strict teacher. One day at the end of the next semester for misbehaving slapped a deuce and gave the job to the summer. On vacation, I did not let the pencil from his hand, to the autumn time to hand over more than a hundred sketches. My favorite "model" then became a five-year daughter neighbors. Here is her hand, I will put on a chair, and began - she roars, and I draw .
- Why did you choose a specialization for themselves exactly portraits?
- It was not me they chose , and they told me . When nature began to draw , I very much like it turned out . Hand successfully took . For portraits and put me in an art fund, which I later came to work . No choice - all contacted members of the Politburo. Then, because of their portraits before the May Day factories almost annually ordered. And we have to fulfill all worked like crazy , and slept for three hours a day. It was especially hard with large canvases . For example, I once wrote a portrait of Gorbachev measuring three by four meters , where only one eye is the size of a palm. This was a wonderful fitness : on a table , a chair , a couple of strokes do you go down and look.
- Who do you paint landscapes and flowers , mostly irises . Thus just relaxing on portraits or a change of direction in his work ?
- I have always written in parallel different picture. Of course, from portraits are very tired . If all of the time to write the characters , you can go crazy - everywhere faces, faces , faces . After another surrendered order I feel just like a squeezed lemon. Immediately on the nature of the food , fishing , to wash away all this. A irises and so I have always loved and knew how to draw. This , by the way , complex colors, they all are . To me , even some of our artists have been asked to , say , write me irises, and I'll have something to write. But I kind of barter is not needed, and I can handle myself .

" PUTIN IS NOT FOR SALE "

- How did you manage to reach the European level ?
- One day a friend of mine in the belief that in Saratov, I have nothing more to do , took me to France. There I met with rich people involved in art. I showed photos of their work , they nodded approvingly and immediately agreed with me about the exposure . And a few months later , in December 2002 in Nice was my first European exhibition " Russian Winter" . Paintings then sold little, but most importantly - they are remembered . So much so that I'm back in Russia they have already been taken away - works continued to exhibit without me. A year later, I returned them to Nice and immediately received a favorable order . A wealthy Frenchman in love with a Russian girl asked me to write a portrait of him in the role of seducer Casanova.
- In 2006, your exhibition was held in Monaco. At whose invitation you got there?
- Among the works which I later brought to France , was the portrait of the reigning then in Monaco Prince Rainier III. From the picture , he was ecstatic. Prince embraced the canvas , almost burst into tears , and carried to his castle. Then on one of the receptions I crossed the Russian consul Duchy Claude Pallanca who liked my work , too . Shortly thereafter, I was offered to organize an exhibition in Monaco at the residence of "Europe". The location is very prestigious , all there for the next three years is painted . And I somehow quickly turned out, did not even have time to recover . Brought back some 40 paintings. The most popular portraits have inherited the throne to his son Rainier III of Monaco Prince Albert II and Vladimir Putin.
- A portrait of Putin then you seem to be specifically did not put on sale ?
- I immediately said that Putin is not for sale . Well, I think they have there , in Monaco, our president will do ? But friends scolded me later , saying that nothing is not sold , the money would have felled many . Although it away from me so quickly taken away. Today is my Vladimir Vladimirovich is in Moscow in the collection of any outstanding employee of the FSB.
- Among those you mentioned, now deceased Patriarch of Moscow and All Russia Alexy II and His Holiness the Dalai Lama . Not afraid to write bishops of the world religions ?
- No, it 's not terrible, just hard . I went up to work responsibly , so while Alexy II wrote , all the while fasting. He's still an unusual man . This picture him Ayatskov the celebration of the anniversary of the enthronement presented . And this date , June 11 , just coincided with my birthday. I call Dmitri congratulations from the Patriarch then right at the holiday table found . And when over the Dalai Lama to work, a lot of books about Tibet read . Now here I want to go there , go to the holy places .
- For you, there is a difference , who draw - famous person or an average man ?
- The status of the hero does not matter. Just when you create an image of a famous person , you already know something about him , his character and is trying to convey. Although it is sometimes better not to know with whom you work. For example, I once wrote portraits of family members of a French count. And then when he did family coat of arms on the canvases pririsovat asked , I found out that on the maternal side he is a direct descendant of Louis XIV. I was shocked ...

RUSSIAN GO

- The fact that you basically write with photos, many were ambiguous . They say , they say, if the person did not personally posing , portrait , and then good will come ...
- Now is not the time when artists were living with their families in the courts for several years and wrote the picture . I once told a lady that she had plenty of time , and she wants to pose for me personally . I said, " Well, then Mark my family detached house , will provide us with all the facilities and will pose for me , when you want." She did not agree . You see, today a completely different rhythm of life, from nature rarely writes . And I have a professional photographer who will come , will put the light catches the mood , character, and will make a great shot . Yes, and I often work at night, who does accept such a sacrifice for the sake of art ( laughs). And as I write , so I often try to meet the person . To see what the camera can not capture .
- Who are the famous Saratov you posed ?
- By Dmitry Fedorovich several times to the government came when he wrote it. Oleg Fadeev took time to pose , and Aksenenko , even when the mayor was not denied to me in kind. And then I still wrote his wife Irina . To those who understand that the tedious need to pose for a nice picture, no problem.
- You are a successful artist , a lot of work to order. Remember the last major purchase , which made ​​the proceeds .
- What do you mean , which is much less major purchases . Well I 'll write something after all , just past the border 'm taking . Paintings heaviest , and each kilo per flight in the big money is . For example, the last time at Sheremetyevo I paid for an advantage over 70 thousand. So each of my trip is very expensive . Plus, my son is still a professional athlete - a two-time world kickboxing champion Vladimir Ponomarenko . Sport in our country poorly funded , and therefore all his voyages to the competition pay my husband . Every time not less than a hundred thousand rubles out .
- You probably had a chance to settle abroad . Why have not decided on it?
- Yes , I was twice in France left . Well, where do I go away from the family ... Of course , there is the life assured, and the people are very calm and polite. And here and looking at how to bite . The paradox is that in my home country of the exhibition is much more difficult to organize . Here, everything is corrupt . If in Russia in order to get you acquainted with the right person , we should all obbit thresholds and long wait, abroad it is instant and totally free , I should not give anyone for that picture. And thence billionaires with me very well communicated , though they have so much money that they can buy all our Saratov region .
- In your opinion , I wonder whether the West contemporary Russian art ?
- Interestingly, this is an understatement. Paintings from their masters rather weak , even with Russian and do not compete . I will now discuss one case . In one of the first visits to France, I set out to visit all the galleries and see what sort of exhibit . And of the hundreds of pictures I liked then only two . Imagine my surprise when I found out that the authors of both - Russian artists . So, if our fall abroad , then just tear the local art market .

[Mikhail]

Alfiya Ponomarenko : "Pictures - part of my life and hobbies - fishing"
Saratov business magazine " WHAT ." June 2008 . Number 6 (46).
Interviewed Hope SVIRIDOVA
Creativity - is not a sport , there is no podium for the first , second and third . But when it comes to purely commercial demand at the pictures , the alpha Ponomarenko is today undoubtedly the most successful artist of Saratov . Portraits of her brush portrayed as a gift to President Putin , Patriarch of All Russia Alexy II -II, the Dalai Lama XIV. Prince Rainier of Monaco -III and the direct descendants of Louis XIV ordered his own portraits of the artist from the banks of the Volga.
With alpha Ponomarenko I met on the eve of perestroika. Having met 15 years later in a shop in Moscow , we again moved quickly to "you" and exchanged business cards. When I heard about the success of this very beautiful female artist who , without any ties earns money creation, the thought came to interview itself. And then there's the so-called newsworthy - Alfiya recently returned from Monaco.

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- This was my second trip to the principality. This time I was invited to the feast , " Russian Night" on the Day on March 8. His suit Russian Consulate in Monaco , led by consul Claude Pallanca . Among the guests - the people of Monaco , big businessmen , collectors and representatives of the Government of the Principality of Monaco. Hall was decorated paintings from the collection of renowned collector Rene Hera , a few paintings Zenaida Serebrjakovoj . But it was not an exhibition and sale . It was an evening in the golden hall of the hotel " Fairmont ", which was held in a very warm atmosphere. My painting " Winter " and "Spring " in the female characters had a lot of positive feedback . I was awarded with diplomas and valuable gifts, and gave the word , and I said thank-you speech. Ended a holiday dance.
My next solo exhibition in Monaco, by the way, is scheduled for the end of 2009 . I have already started preparing for it.
- You - the winner of Prize. Lomonosov Moscow State University , which was handed to you along with a gold medal for his contribution to the development of the national culture , the professor. But you are not a member of the Union of Artists of Russia . Why ?
- In the Union of Artists I tried to start at the very beginning of my journey . Not accepted - was told that very young . Then he tried one more time - not taken again , the queue is reached . And then ... to me it just was not needed .
- Great Velazquez began his career as court painter of the portrait of King Philip IV. And as it turned out at you?
- After the end of the Saratov art school I was assigned to work as a designer in the military school of chemical protection . I quickly realized that by drawing posters, die as an artist very quickly. With great difficulty ( no connections , no money ) settled in the workshops of the Art Fund , but the staff did not take me ... And once hudsovet took a portrait of Mikhail Gorbachev, who wrote to me, for a portrait of my teacher Eugene Zhelnova . When an error is detected , Yevgeny was very happy and proud of me , and all the artistic council went to the boss and said, " Take the girl to state where we still find this portrait ? " This is a portrait of the first and the last president of the USSR , and began my career as an artist a portrait . I can not say a few words about Yevgeny . He was not only a talented painter and a schedule that I was " set eyes " and has taught portrait sharpness of vision, but also a very nice, kind person. He was always ready to help in difficult times and to find words of comfort , if I have offended .
- Although it is said that vanity - one of my favorite qualities of the Prince of Darkness , but without it you will not make a career and big money will not earn. Are you vain : if you want to stay in the stories , or enough for you to be a popular and sought-after artist?
- My vanity is the diligence to do what I do as best you can. Better than most. And what happens , time will tell .

- One of the classmates Nikas Safronov , in the words of the master, it was a much more talented , but 15 years after graduation, took to drink , could not resist ... In our country, as in any other , artists , writers and poets need a very stable psyche , which often contradicts the presence of talent. You " sound mind " ?
- Not really. But in times of trouble and helps help close contact with nature . Very much I love to swim in the river, the lake - the water washes away all the bad looks , soothing. My husband and I have a common hobby - fishing . And not only the summer , but winter too.
- Envy is always accompanies success. You suffer greatly from it ?
- I suffer , of course. But envy is very stupid people who only see the result and see what kind of work behind it. In Russia now very hostile society : give nothing , will not start up. But I suffer not from fellow artists. Talent, because we all gave about the same , just plow through 16 hours a day , not everyone can . Artists know this. I, for example , when blooming irises, writing day and night. Even friends do not communicate. They already know - try not to call .
- What is , in your opinion, be a wealthy person ?
- It means to have a large comfortable house in the land where you can plant trees and flowers . And that place was poyuzhney , no matter in which country . And still have the opportunity to travel, see the world, but do not hang around for days at work, do not be a slave to your business.
- What did you call the artist would consist of?
- This, like Salvador Dali. Thanks to his clever wife :-)
- Whether you are spending precious time on reinventing the wheel or used the example of another successful PR ? Was worthy object to follow?
- Was by a competent person. In 1993-94 . was a very difficult period in the life of my family. We were forced to live in a communal Engels. Then my friend and businessman Alexander Kamaev was the first to suggest what to do, and began to help . He looked up my work and offered to do an exhibition in the night club " El Dorado ." I tried to contradict him , claiming that the casino shows do not happen. To which he replied: "We 'll be the first ! " He started introducing me to people , to teach marketing.
- Of course , nothing will happen if there is no talent. No PR, no money, no connections will not help. A necessary component of success - hard work of the artist. How long do you write a portrait ? How many sessions you need for preliminary sketches for a portrait ?
- I write mostly from photographs. XXI century in the yard yet . The once people ordering portraits pose. They do not irises . Certainly helps a very good memory for faces - I know a person whom I had seen once in 20 years . I am writing a portrait of a month or two , depending on the size and complexity. It happens that the work does not go, and then I cut and throw away the canvas . And start again. I need to find the inner connection with the person I 'm drawing . To portrait was not a mask. I write a lot like the original. Once wrote one official , something in his eyes thin brush is appended, and suddenly they had such a longing that I stopped the brush ...
- A classic condemning reports that in the heart of the flatterer always will find corner , but another called admire each other . Well, when the sincere admiration and flattery, not rough . To what extent are your portraits - compliments ?
- I flatter course . Although it is to achieve absolute similarity. Sometimes , looking at the photos , she wonders what is so bad look . After all, the camera is impartial , it can not remove the bad lighting , mood, bad outfit. And the human eye does not perceive that " do not have to ." The extra lines, for example. I did not draw a caricature , so always try to emphasize all that is best in man. For example, Putin has a lot of wrinkles on the forehead. I tried to write without them. Well, not Putin, it turns out ! Therefore, the characteristic wrinkles still remain.
- A portrait of Putin wrote to you , perhaps, from photographs. Who gave them to you ?
- Order a portrait of Muscovites . But sent a very bad picture. DF rescued Ayatskov - gave a good picture where Putin is very good , to some , apparently , a good life now. That's when all the other photos in handy .
- That's the way the light is often known artist brings portraits of the first persons of the country. I will not ask you about incentives creator that draws power, and how you were successful if it did not draw these people. My guess is that they are very difficult to write . What is usually the customer's wishes , before you start work ?
- Opt not me - I choose. Usually it goes like this: if I need VIR- person , the bell rings , and at the appointed hour to the entrance serves the machine. All the little things we usually discuss with the customer . My trusty assistant photographer Yuri Puzanov makes a lot of photos . From all angles . Most company jubilee , his coworkers bought a portrait of a good round . Husbands or wives - portraits give beauties . But it happens much less often.
- Is there a difference between international and local VIP-persons ? It is said that all of our gifts take for granted , and foreigners certainly grateful . Is this true ?
- Count Maurice de L'Arbr during my solo exhibition in Monaco ordered portraits of his family ( mom, dad and your own) - all direct descendants of Louis XIV of the House of Bourbon . He paid for them , and then invited me to stay with them without ceremony in the castle in the summer. As for the country , there is little love for yourself and appreciation from the customers I do not notice .
- Do you often you give portraits of the powerful. A mere mortals ?
- Portraits of the powers that be do not give to me, and those who commissioned them . I make gifts mostly friends and loved ones . Most often it is the flowers. My never fade :-)
- From the mighty trio Glazunov - Shilov - Safronov someone like you as an artist ? Call your favorite artists.
- All three of them , of course , well done . But they are not among the favorites. Favorite - Kramskoj , Claude Manet, Dali. Very fond of portraits of old Russian masters , I go to look at them in the Tretyakov Gallery . 'm Learning a lot from them . Lace paint, for example.
- Well, of course , if you're in the cradle of your parents put money , communication, and well-known name . And if not? What do you put in the cradle ?
- "I started growing and face - thanks to mother and father ." And thanks to them for that spotted my talent . And my grandmother, thank you for being with 5 years took me to an art studio , not lazy .
- Of the 2,914 artists represented in the London gallery Tale , only 348 were women (12 %). Of the actual artwork of women artists and even fewer - 7%. How to explain such statistics ?
- Perseverance have apparently not enough. Usually, because as it happens : pobilas , pobilas yes and dropped .
- Your home men you help ?
- We learn from each other. For example, I have a son - his stubbornness . I have it something else. Husband to help me, learned to cook. Meat is already preparing better than I do. But the most important thing is that we are in difficult times were family. Because it is not all survive. Some friends of my husband after the loss of their own business drank themselves dropped .
- You count up the number of his works ?
- Well , right now, I 'll drop everything and save money! Of course not. Who needs it - let them believe . And this time I 'll write something else .
- Inventories homeland sell, of course , it's easier than their own talent . Yes, and profitable . But in any case, you should try not to sell his portion of food as Pirosmany . How much does a portrait of your hand ?
- No comment .
- But your work is the most expensive in Saratov?
- Yes.
- The need to be in line with the fashion dictated by the terms of the survival of the artist. And why are you so often draw irises ? This is your favorite flower ? Or they are in demand ?
- It's just your favorite colors . Because they are successful , I think. At constant shape - tremendous variety , you can write endlessly ...
- What you have a dream as an artist ?
- To be a wealthy person who can afford to do what he likes with Dazed and slowly.
- And you would want to stand at the easel , if you have anything you want?
- Of course ! I paint what I like. I do not care - buy something that happens or not. There is simply a need to draw. It's part of my existence .