Artist of the Month

ii: Artist of the Month

Anastasiia Morozova www.anastasiiamorozova.com

Inspired by Cabinets of Curiosities, natural history illustrations, Russian fairy tales and folklore, Anastasiia is an Italian-based artist who creates botanical and wildlife studies in various different media.

In her own words, Anastasiia explains her process and the roots of her love of painting the natural world:

Everything in nature is a miracle. The world is full of mysterious and precious treasures that adults tend to overlook. By illustrating small pieces of natural ecosystems, I like to tease the viewer’s curiosity towards the small natural wonders around us and, by doing so, draw attention to the beauty and fragility that we so often take for granted.

All of my work begins, simply, with a line on a piece of paper. Before opening my sketchbook, I like to observe. I approach nature with the curiosity of a biologist and the wonder of a child, and it is this perspective that has helped me to find my own approach to illustration.

I was born and raised in the Ural mountains of Russia, in close contact with nature. As a child I had a great deal of curiosity about the natural world; I spent a lot of time outdoors, walking in the forest, and, with guidance and encouragement from my grandmothers, I learned to identify plants and mushrooms. And I loved to create things by hand. When faced with the prospect of imagining what profession I might move toward in my future, I was lost. I couldn’t imagine a profession that could combine my two biggest passions: nature and creativity. When the time came for higher education, the only thing I could see myself doing was art.

I entered the Academy of Fine Arts in my hometown, where I mastered classical art disciplines, and studied the history of art. I continued to pursue my studies in Paris, where I obtained a Master’s in Contemporary Art Management. Three years of studying and working in various art galleries and art fairs in Paris and New York taught me many valuable lessons about the art world. Living in these amazing cities, and working in the art industry, was a precious experience, but I began to miss the core of my passion: nature and creativity.

Moving to Apulia— a small town in Italy —with my husband, I finally combined my two major passions into my dream career. I created my art project Natura Illustrata. Being part of this community allowed me to discover the many opportunities nature illustration can bring— from pattern design to editorial projects. Although I began as a watercolourist, I soon mastered other techniques such as gouache, linoprinting, and digital art. My ability to switch between different techniques gives me the freedom to express my vision and choose the right medium for each project. One of the most exciting parts of my work is seeing my sketches take shape and transform: perhaps into a pattern on a product, or an illustration for a book, or a painting on a wall. Once I have a finished piece of work, I retrace the journey that the illustration has made. Returning to the first step of my illustration process will, more often than not, lead me to a simple pencil sketch— and yet that sketch marks the beginning of endless possibilities.

Regardless of its size, each project is a journey that opens doors. Welcoming in the potential for new possibilities, ideas, connections, and people. Through making my art, I want to transmit my love for nature to others, and draw attention to the importance of protecting and respecting nature. I particularly want to share these values with younger generations, which is why my current dream is to illustrate an educational book for children about plants and animals.

Since 2020, Anastasiia has been sharing her knowledge and experience with others through onlineand in-person classes. The classes are available on Etchr, and Anastasiia will be launching her first Skillshare class in March.

Anastasiia’s original paintings, as well as prints and stickers, are available for purchase in her Etsyshop, at naturaillustrata

You can also follow Anastasiia’s journey through Instagram and on Facebook @natura.illustrata

Cover image:

Mandarin

Mixed media on paper

Other images

Avocado

Mixed media on paper

Peas in a Pod

Pencil sketch on paper

The Artist in her Natural Habitat

Daphne Sfondo Trasparente

Mixed media on paper

Red Onion

Mixed media on paper

Amanita grande

Mixed media on paper

Painting the Acorn

Mixed media on paper, in progress

Wild Mushroom

Mixed media on paper