International Festival of Watercolour Art in Gdansk
The International Festival of Watercolour Art was held in Gdansk on August 22-25 and was dedicated to the awards ceremony of the fourth season of the International Watercolour Project Step by Step.
The festival program was very eventful and became a real fireworks event for all participants and guests of the festival.
Every day, “Watercolour Points” were available in the festival halls - participants could sit in a comfortable place and paint with the help of materials prepared for this. Everything was taken into account, from tablets, paper, paints and brushes, to a container of water and napkins.
Also, every day in the festival halls there were prize draws among festival participants. Each participant had their own unique identification number and, through a lottery, each had a chance to win one of 5-8 prizes every day. Among the prizes were paints, brushes, a variety of materials and accessories, books and catalogues for the Step by Step project.
Of course, there was a translator in the festival halls every day to facilitate communication with participants and artists. If necessary, translation was provided into four languages, depending on the composition of the group at the workshop, and translation into English for general activities. Thus, we have created the most comfortable conditions for participants who came from other countries to Poland.
In the halls of the festival, during all four days there was a registration point where you could get any information regarding the festival.
In parallel with the main festival program, workshops for festival participants were held in a separate cozy hall. All participants upon completion of the workshops received personalized certificates signed by the master. All materials were provided by the organizers.
First Day - August 22
The first day began with the registration of participants. For convenience and familiarization with the festival program, all participants were given a printed version of the program and name badges with identifiers, which became a kind of passes for participants to all events, the designations on the badges allowed for high-quality systematization of information and each participant took part in all the activities for which he was registered.
The festival program was opened by a magnificent master and talented artist, the wonderful Anastasiya Mouchan. She demonstrated her skills and painted a portrait of her daughter live from life. Festival guests were able to enjoy an amazing demo in a comfortable hall, and watch the demo on a large screen, after the end, Anastasia introduced the audience to her work and presented her watercolors.
Then the program was supplemented by a series of lectures from invited watercolour masters:
Samira Yanushkova "National symbolism in watercolour art"
Angus McEwan "The Artist's Way. Unique Style»
Vicente García «Plein air its - my lifestyle! »
Interesting, interactive lectures with video presentations and active communication with amazing masters became a wonderful discovery for the festival and inspired the participants before the general plein air.
After a short break, the general plein air of all festival participants started, which was held under the guidance of watercolor master Sergiy Lysyy on the territory of the hotel complex "Dvor Uphagena". Everyone could take part in the plein air, the organizers provided lightweight plein air stands, tablets, paper and containers for water for the participants, and it was also possible to get palettes and paints. For three hours, the hotel territory was absorbed by an atmosphere of creativity and inspiration. Dozens of artists painted simultaneously and all together, each with their own unique plot and their own amazing work.
All works were presented in the festival halls the next day, and during the festival everyone could present their plein air works in the hall. Based on the results of this plein air, three winners were selected at the end of the festival, who received prizes from the hotel administration, including a certificate for accommodation in a suite for two persons for the winner. Also, on the initiative of the ART partners of the project, four awards were presented to the participants of the plein airs and demonstrations of skill, whose works conquered our ART partners. And also from the organizers, five more prizes were presented - special awards. The choice of winners was made based on the voting of the invited masters of the festival and the organizers.
In parallel, during all the described activities, workshops from invited masters were held in a cozy hall in the historical part of the hotel complex. On the first day, the incredible and amazing master Prafull Sawant and the magnificent and unique Olga Novitskaya held their workshop. The materials for the workshop were provided by the organizers, and thanks to the active support of the ART partners, all participants in the workshops were able to work with the highest quality materials. And the climax of the first day was the award ceremony and opening of the festival and exhibition of Watercolor Art in Gdansk.
And the climax of the first day was the award ceremony and opening of the festival and exhibition of Watercolor Art in Gdansk.
An exhibition of works by the winners and masters of the Step by Step project was opened in the halls of the historical part of the hotel complex. A magnificent exhibition and a cozy atmosphere with stunning authentic interiors awaited all guests of the exhibition.
Many Step by Step winners were present at the festival, and they all received prize packages, awards, catalogs and certificates. Also, each participant in the Step by Step project received a package of prizes from the organizers. After the award ceremony there was a magnificent buffet, the guests were finally able to relax with a glass of wine and delicious snacks.
Exhibition of works by the winners of the fourth season of the International Watercolor Project Step by Step and works by jury members and invited artists.
Second Day - August 23
The second day of the festival continued the pleasant tradition of surprising and delighting our guests. From 9 am, an exhibition of works by plein air participants was presented. Dozens of stunning watercolors decorated the festival halls. Mobile representatives of ART companies that became partners of the Step by Step project were also presented in the halls. All festival participants could test the materials and purchase them at a great price from the manufacturer.
At the same time, on the ground floor, an additional opportunity opened up for our participants to present their creativity. A “Presentation Point” was opened in the hall, where every participant in the festival was able to present their works for 2 hours.
The day began with a demonstration of skills from master Prafull Sawant. The demonstration took place in a comfortable hall with modern equipment, a live broadcast on a large screen added comfort for our participants.
The next demonstration of skill was conducted by an amazing master, a university professor, the President of the Royal Scottish Society of painters in watercolours Angus McEwan.
He shared with the participants unique life hacks in watercolour art.
Then, a break for coffee, tea, fruit and cakes from the chef of the restaurant of the hotel complex Dwor Uphagen was organized for the guests of the festival.
Workshops were also held in parallel with the festival program. On the second day, the incredible and amazing masters Samira Yanushkova, Sergiy Lysyy, and Angus McEwan conducted their workshop. All participants received personalized certificates with the signature of the master upon completion of the workshops.
The next activity was a real firework of watercolor emotions. The demonstration of mastery was conducted by the incredible, stunning Roberto Andreoli and at the same time in one hall another 12 participants of our festival were conducting the demo. The tables for the demo in the hall were arranged in such a way that each participant and spectator of this performance could enjoy this incredible spectacle. Each master was represented by a poster on the table. The materials for demonstrating the mastery were provided by the organizers. For 2 hours, the concentration of inspiration and the atmosphere of creativity simply filled the festival hall. The result was 12 amazing works that were presented in the halls of the festival the next morning.
A pleasant relaxation of the second day was a trip to Sopot. A city on the Baltic Sea, which is called the Polish Riviera all over the world. Unique architecture, resort atmosphere, cozy embankment and a magnificent beach with white sand. The festival participants were able to walk along the sea and enjoy the beautiful sunset. And for those who were not satisfied with watercolor activities, a surprise was prepared. A demonstration of skill from the winner of the fourth season of the Step by Step project, Alexander Bobryshev. The participants were able to draw a beautiful seascape from life together with the master. At the same time, the master shared the secrets of his mastery and valuable life hacks. At the end of this wonderful evening, a delicious dinner awaited the participants in a new restaurant in the very center of Sopot, near the lighthouse overlooking the embankment. Delicious dishes and pleasant company accompanied by live music perfectly complemented the evening.
Third Day - August 24
The third day of the festival did not reduce the degree of activity. Participants and guests of the festival were treated to a new exhibition of works by participants of the group demo and new plein air works from Sopot. All works were presented in the festival halls. Representatives of ART companies were also presented, with the possibility of testing. All participants of the festival could purchase them at a great price from the manufacturer.
The first demonstration of the mastery took place in a specially equipped hall on the second floor. The demo was conducted by the master of watercolor, the inspiring and talented Sergey Lysy. Spectators of the demonstration of the mastery felt free and could enjoy the demo from any point in the hall. There was also an opportunity to get acquainted with the works of the master in parallel.
At the same time, on the first floor, the "Presentation Point" continued to work, where each participant of the festival could present their works for 2 hours. And on this day, the participants were able to get acquainted with the work of Suzana Gigic and her watercolour jewellery, and with the works of the master Prafull Sawant.
The second demonstration of mastery was from the charming, talented, and energetic Alexandra Bryksa. A wonderful, atmospheric, bright and at the same time cozy demonstration passed like a gathering of old friends. With smiles and admiring applause at the end.
Then, for the guests of the festival, a break was organized for coffee, tea, fruits and cakes from the chef of the restaurant of the hotel complex yard Uphagen.
The third demonstration of mastery was conducted by the incredible, and unique, beautiful Samira Yanushkova. The atmosphere of celebration and festivity passed through the entire demonstration of mastery and became a wonderful gift for all the guests of the festival.
The next performance was a real explosion of creative emotions. The demonstration of skill was conducted by the incredible, amazing, energetic, and unique master Vicente Garcia Fuentes, and together with him at the same time in one hall, 12 more participants of our festival were conducting a demo. The same atmosphere of inspiration and creativity, the same passion and positivity, became a great help for holding a stunning 2-hour performance. Each master was represented by a poster on the table. Materials for demonstrating skill were provided by the organizers.
The result was 15 more amazing works, which were presented in the halls of the festival the next morning.
Workshops also complemented the third day of the festival. On the third day, incredible and amazing masters Prafull Savant and Alexandra Bryksa held their workshop.
Daily prize drawings among festival participants became a great and pleasant tradition. Guests received prizes from the organizers, 5-8 lots were drawn every day! The plein air in the hotel courtyard continued its movement! And the participants enjoyed the wonderful weather in cozy corners on the hotel grounds and beyond.
In total, over the four days of the festival, participants and artists painted more than 150 beautiful watercolours!
And this is the best indicator of the "watercolour nature of the event"!
And the third day of the festival ended with the opening of the exhibition of works by the project finalists, who scored high according to the results of the jury members' vote but did not receive prizes. The wonderful works were presented in a unique place - the exhibition was hosted by a gallery in the very heart of Gdańsk on Mariacka Street, also known as Jantarna Street. Wonderful music, delicious treats and a hospitable gallery owner turned the opening into an evening of relaxation and pleasant communication.
Fourth Day - August 25
The fourth, final day of the festival was no exception and the activity level reached its peak.
In the festival halls, new works from participants in group master demonstrations and new works that our tireless participants managed to write despite the super-rich program were presented.
Also, representatives of ART companies were presented, with the possibility of testing. All festival participants could buy them at a great price from the manufacturer and received discount coupons for purchasing products at super promotional prices. Also, manufacturers of ART companies gave testers and dot cards for festival participants.
The first demonstration was held by the amazing, incredible, beautiful and talented artist Julia Ustinovich. Incredible works, unique technique, and very hot energy filled the demonstration hall, the result of which was an amazing work.
The next demo was conducted by the charming and talented Olga Novitskaya. The reorganization of the space at the request of the master, in the festival hall allowed all spectators to get a unique opportunity to communicate live with Olga during her work, and at the same time get acquainted with the artist's work through her amazing watercolors.
Then, a break for coffee, tea, fruits and cakes from the chef of the restaurant of the hotel complex yard Uphagen was organized for the guests of the festival.
Traditionally - in parallel with all the described activities, in a cozy hall in the historical part of the hotel complex, as well as in the previous days, workshops from invited masters were held. On the fourth day, incredible and amazing masters Vicente Garcia Fuentes, Roberto Andreoli and Anastasia Mouchan held their workshop.
Daily prize draws, selection of works by plein air and festival participants for additional awards and prize places, meetings and smiles! All the emotions of positivity, creativity and watercolours are simply ringing in the air!
And at the end of our watercolour extravaganza, there was another aqua performance with the participation of the incredible, energetic master Vicente Garcia Fuentes, and together with him at the same time in one hall, another 12 participants of our festival were holding a demo. In 2 hours, Vicente was able to create four full-length works, stunning masterpieces, the guests and spectators of the festival were delighted with such an inspired performance. Each master was represented by a poster on the table. The materials for demonstrating the mastery were provided by the organizers.
The closing ceremony of the festival and the presentation of awards and prizes for the festival participants left no one indifferent and all participants were able to receive their small memorable gift. And a bright flash of positivity was a ride on the Ferris wheel in the very heart of Gdansk at sunset, when the warm summer sun illuminated the red tiled roofs.
The fourth season of the Step by Step project has become a real discovery for us and a season of records!
In terms of the number of participants, applications, and participating countries! I am happy that our project is expanding its boundaries and covers even the most remote corners of our planet.
During the fourth season of the project, we received more than 500 applications from 60 countries, which means that we processed more than 3,000 photographs in the process of publishing applications and collected many unique works with step-by-step descriptions and a lot of life hacks and valuable advice.
The number of magnificent highly professional works in this season simply amazed everyone. The jury members have never had such a difficult time choosing winners. After all, we received hundreds of wonderful works!
During the selection and voting process, the jury members decided to establish 55 prize places within the project and another 45 prize places within the festival.
Thus, 100 prizes were received by the participants of the Step by Step project in the fourth season - these were materials from the world's leading manufacturers. Many accessories and valuable surprises - with a total value of more than 7,000 euros!!!
Dozens of unique works were painted during the Gdansk Watercolour Festival, some of which were donated by the participants to the project to organize a charity sale, part of the proceeds of which will go to help animal shelters!
With tears of gratitude and joy in our eyes, we saw off our participants in the hope of meeting again.
Dear friends, see you at the next watercolor art festival from Julia Kochetova.
Light, peace and inspiration to all!
Thank you for this wonderful holiday!
