2nd September 2024
Interview with Christian Koivumaa
Watercolour can be a difficult medium to perfect, we sat down with Christan to understand how his career has developed through the years, what impact sports had on becoming an artist and what advice he gives to beginner artists trying to perfect their skills.
Christian Koivumaa is a watercolour landscape artist from Sweden. With a steady hand, he manages to depict something very elusive - the play of shadows among the city's warming streets, the mysterious northern lights above the tops of the spruce forests & the breathtaking expanses of the northern mountain ranges.
What inspired you to pick up a brush and start painting?
I’ve been drawing my whole life. I mostly doodled at an early age, but it was still something that I did on a regular basis. I always loved it. As soon as I stopped competing in sports I needed something to replace that. Focusing on art was a logical solution since I loved art. My curiosity was a big inspiration and I still enjoy learning new things and observing the world around me from new angles.
When did your love of art start? Did you always want to be an artist?
I always loved art but I never considered it as a career path until just a few years ago. But what makes you an artist? In a sense, I’ve been an artist my whole life, since I consider myself to be a creative person in general.
What would be your advice for new artists just starting up?
Enjoy the process of creating and learning and focus less on results and achievements. I noticed that many students lose motivation because they’re expecting quick results.
What is the best tip you were told early in your career?
I have a very competitive personality and it has had its advantages but also held me back at times. My wife has been my biggest supporter through the years and she’s been telling me to enjoy the whole experience as an artist. I think that is key in order to keep developing your art without losing motivation through all the obstacles on the journey.
How has Patreon helped your career?
I have a growing community on Patreon. I am a strong believer of learning while teaching others. I do think I understand what I do and why I do it a lot better thanks to my teaching.
Where do you get your inspiration from?
I get lots of motivation from nature and beautiful architecture. Painting scenes that I’ve experienced in real life takes me back to those moments. The feeling that you can experience while looking out into the distance during a sunset for example. These are feelings I experienced in my studio every day.
What is your favourite Daler-Rowney product and why?
I would say the riggers. I use them for painting thin lines & sharp shapes and since they keep a lot of water they are perfect for painting trees as well.
What is a technique that you haven't tried yet that you would love to try & why?
It has to be a technique that I haven’t figured out yet. I’m on a constant search for new ways of translating my art. Many times I’ve figured out new techniques through mistakes.
Explore Christian's work further here.
