Natalia_Alatortseva
I draw plants because I consider them an important part of space for life.
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Natalia Alatortseva
In artworks I want to precisely convey the features and details, I want the drawing to reflect a living plant. As a botanist, I have been studying some plants’ ontogeny and population structure. Certain plant's morphology can tell a story of its life and surrounding and it is my interest to see and tell such stories. My interest in plants covers different groups of them, mostly biologically unusual or plants which have impressed me. Mostly I draw wild species at different nature conditions or botanical gardens.
The portraits of plants are like portals to the world where they are alive even in winter, they are soothing and endless; one tree can be a reflection of the whole world and whole life. Art Nouveau was a period of impressive attention and reforming of plant character and now it is interesting for me to dive into it and to seek its forms in my beloved plants.
The traditional way of using white paper and various colouring agents - watercolour, ink, graphite, their lightness and mobility seems to me more corresponding to plants nature than other materials.
Biography
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Born and based in Moscow, Russia, botanical artist and illustrator, was educated as a botanist (Lomonosov Moscow State University, 1996-2004). Has studied classical painting and Japanese ink painting. Works as a botanist and GIS specialist for nature conservancy NGOs since 2005. Illustrates plant and mushroom field guides and plant atlases since 2014. Guest teacher of botanical illustration at Biological faculty and Botanical Garden of Lomonosov Moscow State University since 2015. Participant and organizer at different group botanical art exhibitions. Have performed three one-person botanical illustration exhibitions.
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Exhibitions and Awards
2020
The SBA ‘PLANTAE’ exhibition 2020, online
2019
22nd Annual International ASBA exhibition, San Francisco
“Plants of Red Book of Moscow”, Watercolour train, Moscow, subway
The SBA ‘PLANTAE’ exhibition 2019, London
2018
21st Annual International ASBA exhibition, New York
Botanical Art Worldwide: Flora of Russia, St. Petersburg
2017
“Science Meets Art: Past Joins Present, East Encounters West”, Botanical Art exhibition at the 19th International Botanical Congress, Shenzhen
“Botanical atlas: Grass and Trees”, Moscow, solo exhibition