Ekaterina Popova
Ekaterina aka Kat is an artist, solopreneur, and genuinely sweet person whose creative work, writing and podcast I’ve be enjoying for awhile on Substack. She creates lush florals, interiors and landscapes with buttery acrylics and textures that feel like you could happily escape into them… and not be bothered to return.
Her use of light and colour embody the dreamy ethereal aesthetic. Reminiscent of the impressionists, yet anchored enough in modernity that they are instantly comforting and relatable . For me personally, I find them a place of calm away from the chaos of the outside world. Sitting with them let's my nervous system relax and recall what it feels like without all the chatter. But they also they have a sense of mystery. The interiors feel lived in, the florals or items curated - but there are no figures. Often leaving me to wonder what is happening just outside of the frame.
Find Kat on Substack at Ekaterina Popova
or her website | Instagram | Podcast | Create! Magazine
The replay of our live Interview Video is at the end of this issue. Upgrade to paid and enjoy the 45min replay with bonus art and studio content!
Hey, Kat! Tell us a bit about yourself.
Hello! I am an artist and creative entrepreneur obsessed with creativity. Almost ten years ago I quit my day job to pursue my dream of being an artist and have been on this rollercoaster ride ever since! I love to paint interiors and nature, and recently have been experimenting with more spiritual elements in my work. I also founded Create! Magazine and work as a master coach for artists and creative entrepreneurs.
Can you describe your current art desk/workspace setup?
I recently moved into a home that came with a shed, which I hired a contractor to convert into a little studio - and I love it! For big messy oil paintings and experiments I work out there, but I also spend a lot of time outside sketching in nature or around the house. Smaller drawings and watercolor studies happen in my sketchbook wherever inspiration finds me.
Favourite Workspace / Studio item?
How can I pick just one? If I had to choose, it would be my Gallo watercolor set from Italy - it smells like honey and rosemary - and my sketching pencil. Even though oil paint is my first love, these two and a sketchbook are what I would take to a deserted island.
I love my New Wave U. Go travel easel for outdoor painting and daily oil studies.
The Palette: The petite paint box was made by Kelly Micca. I’m not sure if she is making more, but you can message her through her shop to ask. A great alternative is the New Wave which comes in various sizes.
What Art Supplies are your Current Favourites?
My current favorites are Williamsburg oils and R&F oil pigment sticks for painting, Rosemary brushes, A. Gallo watercolors from Italy, and a Blackwing pencil for drawing and sketching.
Favorite art supply or workspace tip?
Create a grab bag! Keep a small bag or backpack stocked with sketching supplies you can take on walks, to the park, or while traveling. As primarily an oil painter, having lightweight sketching supplies ready to go keeps me in the creative flow without overcomplicating things.
What are you working on right now?
Right now I am continuing my long-running interior series with daily studies, while also making room for more experimental work. I have also been really drawn to female surrealists like Leonora Carrington and Remedios Varo, though I am not quite sure what that means for my practice yet - just staying open to what's next. I always aim to push my skills and keep things fun!
Why do you love what you do?
I love what I do because I never know what is going to happen. Being an artist means staying open to surprises and accepting your limitations while knowing you have the power to learn new skills and try new directions. It is always a mystery, always a surprise - it humbles you and pulls you forward to see what comes next.
Kat’s Supply List
if you can, shop small. shop local!
Digital
An old, paint-covered ipad air for reference images
Analogue
The Palette: The petite paint box by Kelly Micca
A standing desk for podcasts and Zoom calls
Williamsburg, Old Holland, Gamblin, and Utrecht oil paints
A. Gallo Watercolors
Brushes: I use a mix of Da Vinci and Rosemary & Co. I’m always trying new things, but Rosemary & Co. is always a safe recommendation
R&F oil pigment sticks
Blackwing pencil
Final Thoughts
There is an intimacy and almost romantic vulnerability in Kat’s earlier work that she is most known for. Yet, her keen mind and creative exploration will undoubtedly inspire a progression through new subjects and forms. I suspect the mystery and humanness at the core of her visual expression will continue on to create new forms of art that we want to see... and think about.
I for one am excited to see what emerges next!
I’m grateful you took a moment of your time to have a read today! I’ll see you in a couple of weeks on Friday am with our next featured artist, their workspace, supplies and of course, hearing about why they love what they do.
~ Tanya at The Artful Desk
Video Interview Replay
Upgrade or click below to claim your free post and enjoy the 45min replay of our live video interview chat. Enjoy bonus questions, new art and see inside Kat’s studio with her art supplies.
