The Artistic Journey of Yana Barabas
A Life in Color and Composition
Yana Barabas, a celebrated artist known for her evocative portraits and genre compositions, was born in the vibrant city of Odessa. Her journey into the world of art began in childhood, a path marked by early skepticism and eventual passion. At the age of 11, Yana enrolled in art school, only to leave a year later, finding the experience uninspiring. However, her mother, recognizing her potential, encouraged her to try again with a different teacher. This decision proved pivotal, as Yana found inspiration and mentorship under the guidance of Tatyana Nikolaevna. Together, they painted by candlelight during power outages and transformed material scarcity into a wealth of creativity and spirit. It was during this time that Yana, alongside a friend, won an international children’s book competition, solidifying her love for painting.
Yana’s formal education continued at an art school where she initially struggled to connect with her teacher. However, in her second year, she switched groups and found a mentor in Valery Vasilievich, a strict yet fair teacher who instilled in her the rigorous traditions of Chistyakov. The competitive environment honed her skills in drawing, painting, and composition, all taught with academic precision. By her fourth year of college, Yana held her first exhibition alongside her parents, both artists in their own right—her mother a sculptor of whimsical village life scenes, and her stepfather a professional sculptor.
At the age of 20, Yana and her future husband, also a painter, held their first personal exhibition. This marked the beginning of a tradition, with the couple showcasing their work every two years. Yana discovered her passion for capturing the human spirit through portraits and genre compositions. Her interest in people extended beyond art, as she contemplated a career in psychology, driven by her fascination with human nature. For Yana, painting is a source of happiness, a medium through which she shares her vision of the world, her dreams, and her commitment to beauty.
Yana believes that the language of painting—drawing, color, and tone—requires lifelong development. She views creativity as a multifaceted endeavor, enriched by exploring other art forms such as dance and singing. Travel plays a crucial role in her life, offering new perspectives and deepening her understanding of herself and her art. Some places resonate with her as if she has known them in a past life, and her landscapes serve as a travel diary, capturing the essence of these experiences. Yana prefers painting from life, finding that nature provides a richer palette of emotions and colors than photography alone can capture. However, she does use photography to complement her work, ensuring she can recreate the impressions that captivate her.
A firm believer in sharing knowledge, Yana also teaches painting, imparting her love for multi-layered works that reveal new insights with each viewing. She likens these paintings to living stones, exuding energy and life over time. Through her art, Yana Barabas continues to explore and express the beauty of the world, inviting others to see through her eyes and experience the depth of her creative journey.
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