Artist Irina Pronina paints light-filled watercolor still lifes and landscapes of the Russian countryside. She was born and raised in Moscow, and began studying art at a young age. Following her passion for painting, she attended the prestigious Higher School of Folk Arts in St. Petersburg, where she trained to be a master silk painter. After graduating, she spent several years creating artworks on silk, however, she found that the traditional technique did not further her search for her own style. Inspired by a group of modern Russian watercolorists, Irina discovered her enthusiasm for the flowing medium. "The possibilities of watercolor – the dynamism and beauty of the iridescence – constantly inspire new paintings," says Irina. Today, she paints full-time from a home studio located on her terrace, with large windows and lots of natural light. In her free time, she enjoys needlework, which she describes as a matter for the soul.