“I see the story in every face, every hand movement and pose,” says Russian artist Olga Crée.
Olga Crée has been collecting fashion magazines, books, and clippings from catwalk photographs on the walls since childhood. She got her law degree, worked as a manager in fashion boutiques, but she felt like she was losing herself. Six years ago, Olga gave up her career to pursue her true calling, painting, successfully winning the 2019 American Art Award.
All of Olga’s book paintings are watercolor and ink on paper. She draws books she read and her portraits reflect her mood. Olga lives in the moment. Through her art, she wants to show and tell the world what she loves, what she can do, and find like-minded people.
Stylish Book Paintings
This post may contain affiliate links, which means we’ll receive a commission if you purchase through our link, at no extra cost to you. Full disclosure here.
Book paintings – Modern Book Club
Olga is currently working on a collection of watercolor book paintings “Modern Book Club”. According to her, it’s a stylish collection of characters who read best-selling books. “I’m planning about 50 watercolors for which I’m looking for a suitable exhibition space,” says Olga, “it’s an original collection for book and art lovers.”
“I’m not afraid to have idols,” declares Olga. “They inspire me. I feel like I’m a part of their life by creating images on paper. I want to see original, natural beauty. Beauty is the driving force of communication between people. It is impressive and disappointing sometimes. But it will never be secondary.”
Style and meaning
Olga’s fashion drawings are about style and its meaning, “your style is something you want to say to the world. To be simple or bright? To be a shadow or feel like every day is kinda party? Are you in trend or are you beyond the general view?” she says. “We understand each other through our image. I am trying to understand you through the Picture. My drawings are not about me and my world, they are about YOU.”
When love and indifference blend together
Andy Warhol had the most powerful subtle touch on Olga’s work. “Every day I imagine I’d meet Andy Warhol,” says Olga. “I’ve read all the books about him, I’ve seen all the movies, but the power of this Personality can’t be described. He’s become an icon as an artist and as a character. He inspires me, I admire his attitude to art, work and life. His love and, at the same time, his indifference in art create an imbalance that produces something brilliant.”
About finding your unique personality
Olga’s portrait drawings are about personality. “They either reveal the emotion of a person or hide it even further,” she says. “I think there’s something unique about all of us, some open-ended talent or point of view.”
Per her words, the most important thing in life is to find that unique hallmark and develop it. But it’s even more important to have faith. “Have unconditional faith in what you do and what you can do,” Olga says. “And yes, of course, work hard for that.”
To see Olga’s latest paintings, visit Saatchi Art >
What do you think?