Nijolė Zubienė

Watercolour occupies a pivotal role in my life. Much like life itself, working with this medium involves an ongoing acceptance of uncertainty; each brushstroke and every drop of pigment bears an element of mystery and surprise, unveiling results that remain unknowable until they appear. The lively interplay between water and pigment serves as a wellspring of inspiration, where accident and intention intersect on the page.

This particular technique in watercolour presents both difficulty and rigor. Achieving mastery demands not only technical skill, patience, and consistency, but also an openness to cooperate with water’s unpredictable tendencies. For me, this intricate interplay is precisely what makes watercolour so intriguing. The possibility of expressing emotion through water and pigment, as hues blend and shift, weaves a unique enchantment that never completely loses its power.

In 1986, I completed my studies at the Vilnius Academy of Arts with a focus on interior design and architecture. My artistic path has included a variety of creative approaches—at the beginning, I devoted considerable effort to working with combined watercolour and pastel techniques. Later on, I spent many years immersed in architecture; however, I continued to feel drawn to the expressive spontaneity and fluid nature of watercolour. Ultimately, I found my way back to this beloved medium, which feels both instinctive and vital to my creative process.

In recent years, I have returned to exhibiting my artwork in both Lithuania and abroad. During the past several years, my pieces have been featured in international watercolour exhibitions in countries including Peru, Vietnam, Finland, and Japan. Sharing my enthusiasm for watercolour with global audiences has enriched and inspired me, motivating me to further experiment and to expand the possibilities of this mesmerizing form of art.