All posts by victoriapavlov

Digital Artist and Photographer
Painting for beginners, Traditional Art, Traditional Painting, Uncategorized, Watercolor Painting

Welcome to the World of Watercolor Painting

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Hello everyone!

Over the past few months, I’ve received so many wonderful questions from you about watercolor painting—and why I love working with watercolors. Many of you have also asked about basic watercolor techniques. So instead of replying to each message individually, I decided to write this blog post to share it all with you in one place.

Where the water flows, creativity grows.

There’s something beautifully calming—and a little magical—about watercolor painting. Whether you’re brand new to painting or returning after a long time, I’m so happy you’re here.

Watercolor is a medium full of surprises. It’s soft, expressive, and sometimes unpredictable—but that’s what makes it so fun and freeing. You don’t need a lot to get started. Just a brush, some watercolor paint, paper, a little water… and a willingness to play.

Let’s go over a few very simple techniques that can help you start painting with confidence.

🖌️ Basic Watercolor Techniques for Beginners

1. Wet-on-Wet

This is when you wet your paper first, then add watercolor paint to it. The paint spreads and blends softly into the wet surface, creating dreamy, flowing effects. Perfect for skies, clouds, or soft backgrounds.

Tip: Use a big brush and clean water to wet the area before adding paint.

2. Wet-on-Dry

In this technique, you paint directly on dry paper. This gives you more control and sharper edges. It’s great for details, shapes, or layering over dried washes.

Tip: Let your first layer dry completely before painting over it.

3. Lifting

If you’ve added too much paint or want to lighten an area, just dab it with a clean, damp brush or a paper towel. This “lifts” the color from the paper.

Tip: This works best when the paint is still damp—but not soaking wet.

4. Dry Brush

Using a brush with very little water creates scratchy, textured strokes—great for fur, grass, or adding texture to your art.

Tip: Blot your brush on a paper towel before applying paint to paper.

5. Color Mixing

Watercolors blend beautifully. Try mixing colors on your palette or right on the paper. See how blue and yellow create green? Let your creativity guide you!

Tip: Try limiting yourself to 3–4 colors and see how many shades you can create.

P.S. I’ll be demonstrating each of these techniques on my Patreon and YouTube channel in the next few days. Stay tuned!

🌼 My Gentle Advice for Starting Out

• Don’t worry about making “perfect” art. Just explore.

• Watercolor is all about layering and patience.

• Let the water do some of the work—it’s part of the magic.

• Mistakes? Those are just happy little discoveries.

💛 You’re Not Alone

I believe everyone can enjoy watercolor painting—no matter your age or experience. It’s more about the feeling than the final result. So take a deep breath, dip your brush, and let the colors carry you.

And most of all… have fun. This is your creative time.

Uncategorized

He Had So Little, But Gave So Much

This is not my usual post, but I want to share something I saw today that touched me deeply.

It was a rainy day. Our car was moving slowly in traffic. Along the highway stood a homeless man with a dog. The man and the dog were just standing there under the rain.
I looked at the dog’s face, and the expression was one of exhaustion. But not the kind of tiredness that comes from walking too much—it was the kind that comes from trying to survive every single day. That same expression was on the man’s face. Both had the look of quiet acceptance—of the struggle to survive.
My heart ached looking at them.
But then the man took out a piece of cloth—the only thing he had—and gently placed it next to the dog. He asked the dog to sit on it, so the dog wouldn’t have to sit on the cold, wet concrete. When the dog sat down, the light briefly touched the man’s face.
That moment broke my heart.
The love, the understanding, and the support between them in that struggle to survive—it was so pure. Seeing the happiness in the man’s face as he looked at the dog brought me to tears. He doesn’t have much, but the little he does have—his blanket—he shared with his best friend, his family: the dog.
This man has a heart bigger than the moon, and he can love with every single inch of it.

Sometimes we get carried away by everyday life. Not every day is bright and happy. We all have our ups and downs. At some point in life, we all need help. Help could be someone listening, sitting next to us, giving advice, or offering any kind of support.

If we are fortunate enough to have help, we need to remember those who aren’t as lucky. We need to remember to offer help and support. No gesture is too small—every bit counts.

P.S. Sorry for the quality of the image.

Art, For you, Uncategorized

Feeling Stressed? Pick Up a Brush (or a Stylus!)—No Experience Needed!

Let’s be real—life can get overwhelming. Between work, responsibilities, and the endless to-do lists, stress finds a way to sneak in. But what if I told you there’s a simple, fun, and completely judgment-free way to let go of that stress? No, it doesn’t involve meditation (although that’s great too). I’m talking about art.

Before you roll your eyes and say, “But I’m not an artist!”—hold on. This isn’t about creating a masterpiece. It’s about letting yourself play with colors, lines, and shapes—just for the joy of it. No rules. No pressure. Just you, your imagination, and the chance to unwind.

Why Art Helps Reduce Stress (Even if You’re Not an Artist)

Ever noticed how little kids can spend hours coloring, completely lost in their world? That’s because art has a way of pulling us into the present moment, much like meditation. It allows us to focus on something other than our worries. Plus, studies show that making art can lower cortisol (the stress hormone), boost dopamine (the happy hormone), and even help with relaxation.

Getting Started: Traditional vs. Digital Art

The beauty of art is that it comes in many forms. You don’t need expensive supplies or a fancy setup—just a willingness to experiment. Here are two easy ways to dive in:

1. Traditional Art: Get Your Hands Messy!

Nothing beats the feeling of putting paint on paper or letting a pencil glide across a sketchbook. Some simple, stress-busting ideas:

🎨 Doodling: Grab a pen and let your hand wander. No plan, no pressure—just freeform scribbles.

🎨 Watercolor Painting: Watching colors blend on paper is almost hypnotic. No need to “paint something”—just enjoy the flow.

🎨 Adult Coloring Books: They exist for a reason! Filling in shapes with color is soothing, and you don’t have to think too much.

2. Digital Art: Zero Mess, All the Fun!

Maybe you don’t want to deal with paint, paper, or clean-up. That’s where digital art comes in! All you need is a tablet, smartphone, or computer. Some easy ways to play:

🖌️ Adobe Fresco: Try the watercolor brushes—they act just like real paint but without the mess.

🖌️ Doodling on an iPad: Apps like Procreate or even basic sketch apps let you draw without worrying about “mistakes.”

🖌️ Color Therapy Apps: There are apps designed just for coloring, and they can be surprisingly calming.

The “No-Pressure” Approach to Art

One of the biggest mistakes people make when trying art for stress relief is judging themselves too much. This isn’t about skill—it’s about expression. Let go of the idea that things need to look “good.” No one’s grading you. There’s no right or wrong way to create. If you’re having fun and feeling more relaxed, you’re doing it right!

Join a Supportive Creative Space

That’s why I created “No Rules, Just Create”—a space where we can come together to make art, share inspiration, and create without fear or judgment. There are no special requirements, no right or wrong ways to express yourself—just an open invitation to explore, experiment, and enjoy the creative process. Whether you’re picking up a brush for the first time or playing with digital tools, you’re welcome here!

Make It a Ritual

The more you make time for creative moments, the more benefits you’ll feel. Try setting aside 10-15 minutes a day to sketch, paint, or color. Think of it as a mini-mental vacation—a time just for you.

Final Thoughts: Just Create—No Rules, No Stress

At the end of the day, art isn’t about being “good” at it—it’s about giving yourself permission to play, explore, and unwind. Whether you’re sketching on a napkin, blending watercolors, or experimenting with digital brushes, the process itself is what matters. Creativity is a powerful tool for stress relief, and it’s available to everyone—no experience required.

So, the next time you feel overwhelmed, take a break and create something—anything. Let go of expectations, enjoy the moment, and remember: there are no rules, just creativity. And if you ever need a supportive space to share your journey, “No Rules, Just Create” is always open for you. 🎨✨

Now, go grab that brush (or stylus) and start creating! You deserve it. 😊

Adobe Firefly Video (beta)

Art, Uncategorized

Why Do We Undervalue Art?

I’ve been thinking a lot about why art, in all its forms, is so underappreciated. Humans have been expressing themselves through art since the dawn of civilization. Yet even now, making a living as an artist—whether through painting, sculpture, poetry, music, or any other form of art—is still a struggle.

From the very beginning, people have used art to express emotions, capture moments, and reflect on the joys and sorrows of life. Art has united us, healed us, and touched parts of our hearts that words alone cannot reach. Art is deeply personal, yet universal. It’s woven into the very fabric of who we are as humans.

So why is it so often undervalued?

I’ve heard many theories, but one stands out:

“Making art is not for everyone. If I can’t do it, why should I pay for it? Artists are born with talent, so it’s easy for them. They can create art for free or at a very low price because it’s no big deal for them.”

If you’re an artist, you’ve probably heard something like this. I know I have. And it applies to both traditional and digital art.

But here’s the thing: just because someone makes something look easy doesn’t mean it is easy. Whether you’re baking bread, flipping burgers, sewing clothes, or creating art, it takes years of practice, learning, and investment to master a skill. Once you’ve mastered it, it seems easy—but that doesn’t erase the time, effort, and dedication it took to get there.

So why is art—something that touches the deepest parts of our hearts—expected to be free or sold at an “extremely” low price? Is it underappreciation? Is it because people don’t see art as important?

I disagree with both.

Let me share a personal story:

Music has always been a part of my family. Many of my relatives are musicians, including my mom and sister, who are professional pianists (even I studied piano from the age of three). I grew up surrounded by music—it wasn’t just a part of our lives; it was who we were.
But there was a time when my family faced unimaginable hardship. We lived without food, heat, or running water for years. My mom ended up selling her piano—an heirloom that had been in our family since the day she was born—for a small block of cheese to feed my daughter. When she sold it, she said, “I will die without my piano.” And she did, just a few years later.
After I lost my mom, I couldn’t listen to classical music anymore. It hurt too much. Classical music felt like my mom—it was too close, too raw. So, I avoided it. I thought running away from those feelings would protect me.
But today, something shifted. I played my favorite piece—Rachmaninoff’s Piano Concerto No. 2. As the music filled the room, I cried. It felt like my mom was sitting right next to me. For the first time in years, I allowed myself to truly feel the pain and the beauty of that connection.
Art has the power to heal us, to help us confront what we’re afraid to feel.

So why, as a society, do we underappreciate something that has such a profound impact on us?

Art isn’t just decoration. It’s not just entertainment. It’s a reflection of who we are, a source of connection, and a tool for healing.

We need to stop taking it for granted.

Uncategorized

A Year of Challenges, Gratitude, and Hope: Reflecting on 2024


As 2024 comes to a close, I can’t help but reflect on the year—what a mixture of challenges, joys, and unforgettable moments it’s been.

Our sweet pup Lisa had quite the journey this year. In February, she needed knee replacement surgery, but her liver issues made it impossible. Her liver numbers were dangerously high, and both her doctors and we agreed to postpone the surgery. Instead, we focused on managing her pain with strong medication while working to improve her liver health. Finally, in May, she was able to have the surgery, and thanks to her incredible doctor, everything went smoothly. Recovery wasn’t quick—it took weeks of care—but by the beginning of July, Lisa was walking again.

Just when we thought the hard part was over, Lisa was hit with a severe case of pneumonia. Those were some of the scariest days. We truly thought we might lose her. But Lisa is a fighter. After time in the ER and hospital, she started to recover, slowly but surely. Then, in October, she had another procedure to remove multiple cysts. Today, I’m so happy to say she’s doing well. She’s still on her medications, including liver support meds, but that’s okay—she’s happy. And her little brother Pixel couldn’t be more thrilled to have his playful big sister back.

This year also brought me incredible professional opportunities that filled my heart. I was honored to speak and teach at multiple conferences, both online and in person, including two of my absolute favorites: KelbyOne Photoshop Conference and Adobe MAX. Words can’t express how grateful I am for these experiences. Sharing my passion for art and creativity with so many talented people has truly been a dream come true. I love connecting with others, exchanging ideas, and learning from every person I meet. It’s who I am, and I hope that 2025 brings even more opportunities to share, teach, and inspire.

Beyond work, I’m incredibly thankful for the new friends I’ve made this year. Each and every one of you has made me feel like I’m exactly where I belong.

So, as I say goodbye to 2024, I look forward to 2025 with excitement. I can’t wait for new opportunities, more connections with friends—old and new—and, of course, more time creating art, whether it’s photography, digital, or traditional painting. I’m also looking forward to long, peaceful walks with our pups, Lisa and Pixel.

2024 gave me so many memories, and I can’t wait to create even more in the year ahead.

Cheers to 2025!

My news of the week

From Dream to Reality: Capturing My Love for New York City

I want to share the story behind these two images with you because they hold a very special place in my heart.

The first time I “saw” the USA was in a movie set in New York City. In that movie, I caught my first glimpse of the Brooklyn Bridge. I remember feeling this incredible sense of awe and wonder. It was a mix of excitement and disbelief—is this real? Could people really see such beauty every single day? Could they walk across that iconic bridge whenever they wanted?
I started imagining their lives: Do they have electricity all day, every day? Can they just go to a store and buy whatever food they need? Can they gather with loved ones to celebrate whenever they want? For me, the thought of such a life was magical, almost too good to be true.
That feeling—“This is America”—filled my heart with warmth and inspiration. It may sound silly, maybe even naïve, but that’s exactly how I felt.
After that first movie, I began watching more American films, and so many of them were set in New York City. I kept seeing the Brooklyn Bridge and Dumbo over and over again. It became more than just a place; it became a dream. In my mind, New York was alive, vibrant, and full of endless possibilities. I started imagining the people who lived there—how they went about their lives, how they embraced the magic of their city.
I fell in love with New York. It became the city of my dreams, where everything seemed possible.
As a digital artist and photographer, I have this deep need to capture and create what I love—what moves me. So last year, my husband and I finally traveled to New York, and I took my dream photos. To me, these aren’t just pictures. They are pieces of my heart that I was able to bring home with me.

Why am I sharing this story with you? For two reasons. First, I simply wanted to share a little piece of my journey and the inspiration behind my work. And second, I want to encourage you to create, express, and follow your heart. Whether it’s taking photos, painting, or creating in any form, it’s not about technical perfection. It’s about expressing yourself, capturing the things you love, and making your heart a little happier.

The Briiklyn Bridge. Black and White photography

 If you missed my announcement, I’ve moved all my technology-related conversations, including tutorials, to my dedicated tech blog. Be sure to check it out for in-depth content and updates!

If you enjoy my posts about art and technology, I’d love for you to subscribe to my newsletter! As a thank you, if you subscribe by the end of this month, I’ll send you a link to my custom templates, holiday coloring pages, and more.

For you, My News, Uncategorized

The Heart of Thanksgiving: Gratitude, Kindness, and the Magic of Art

Hello, my friends,

As we step into the warm embrace of Thanksgiving, I find myself reflecting on the countless blessings in my life. At the very top of that list is you—yes, you, my amazing readers. Thank you for being here, for taking the time to engage with my words and my art. You inspire me every day to keep creating, sharing, and connecting.

Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a gentle nudge to pause and appreciate the good in our lives. In a world that can often feel chaotic, kindness becomes a powerful force. I truly believe that even the smallest act of kindness—a smile, a helping hand, or a thoughtful word—can create ripples of positivity. We all have the power to lift each other up, to make someone’s day a little brighter. And isn’t that the essence of Thanksgiving?

For me, art has always been a bridge—a way to connect not only with others but also with myself. It’s a source of calm in the storm, a space to relax, reflect, and rebuild. Whether it’s painting, drawing, or just doodling, art has this incredible ability to bring people together. It speaks a language we all understand, one of emotions, colors, and creativity.

This Thanksgiving, I encourage you to pick up a paintbrush, a pencil, or even just a piece of paper. Create something, no matter how simple or imperfect. Let your mind wander and your heart guide you. Share it with someone you love, or keep it as a quiet reminder of the joy of creating.

As I sit here writing this, I’m filled with gratitude—not just for the big things but also for the little moments that make life beautiful. For the laughter shared with friends, the warmth of a cozy fire, the joy of creating, and the simple yet profound gift of connection.

Thank you for being a part of my journey. Whether you’ve been here for years or just stumbled upon my blog today, know that you matter. Your presence means the world to me, and I hope my words and art have brought even a little light into your life.

Wishing you a Thanksgiving filled with love, kindness, and all the things that make your heart happy. Let’s continue to create, connect, and spread joy together.

With gratitude,

Victoria

P.S. If you missed my announcement, I’ve moved all my technology-related conversations, including tutorials, to my dedicated tech blog. Be sure to check it out for in-depth content and updates!

My News, Uncategorized

Art Community

Hello, everyone!

This blog post is a bit different from my usual ones. As this year comes to an end, I’ve been reflecting on the many conversations I’ve had with so many of you. With that in mind, I’ve decided to make a few changes to how I approach social media.

While I truly enjoy social media, I value meaningful interactions over fleeting engagements. My goal is to connect with people who genuinely want to engage in conversations—not just because my posts happen to pop up in their feeds during a quick scroll.

I want to build a community rooted in our shared passions for art, photography, design, and the exciting possibilities of AI. After thinking long and hard about where to focus, I’ve chosen Instagram as the platform to bring us together.

If you’re not already following me on Instagram, now’s the perfect time! Follow me, send me a message there, and as a thank-you, I’ll share a free download of holiday-themed Adobe Fresco sketches and some of my custom adjustments for Photoshop.
But that’s not all—each month, I’ll be offering exclusive free downloads for my Instagram followers. Together, we can create a unique and inspiring art community where creativity thrives.

Let’s connect, collaborate, and build something extraordinary on Instagram!

P.S. If you missed my announcement, I’ve moved all my technology-related conversations, including tutorials, to my dedicated tech blog. Be sure to check it out for in-depth content and updates!

My News, My news of the week, Uncategorized

Unlocking Creativity at Adobe MAX: My Unforgettable Experience Teaching, Inspiring, and Being Inspired

Hello everyone,

I’ve received so many questions from you about my experience at Adobe MAX this year, why I’m so passionate about Adobe, and how I developed my public speaking skills. In this post, I’ll do my best to answer them all!

My Experience at Adobe MAX

Speaking at Adobe MAX was my dream. The combination of Adobe MAX, Photoshop, and the Sci-Fi lab I taught made that dream come true. I cannot thank enough the two special people who supported me from our first meeting until I saw you in front of my last lab room. Thank you so much from the bottom of my heart.

My time at Adobe MAX was nothing short of incredible. From teaching three hands-on labs, reconnecting with old friends, and making new ones, every moment was filled with gratitude and excitement. Adobe MAX is the world’s largest creativity conference, and it was an honor to be part of such an inspiring event.

From the opening keynote on Day 1 to the inspirational keynote on Day 2, and all the creativity-boosting moments in between—like MAX Sneaks and the mind-blowing sessions—I left feeling more energized and driven than ever. MAX pushes creativity to new heights, and I walked away feeling deeply connected to this global community of creatives. It’s a powerful reminder that we are all part of something bigger, more inspiring, and filled with endless possibilities.

Why I Love Adobe So Much

At one point in my life, I was living in a country torn apart by war. My family consisted of just three women: my mother, my six-month-old daughter, and me. We faced unimaginable challenges—no food, no water, no heat during freezing winters, and no air conditioning in the scorching summer. Our biggest meal was often a single slice of bread that I would divide between my mother and my daughter.

To even get that slice of bread, I would stand in line for hours in the freezing cold. We had no water for days, so I would risk climbing to the roof of our nine-story building to gather snow, just to have something to drink. Occasionally, kind neighbors would offer us a few drops of water, which I would collect in pots to bring home. To survive the winter, we covered our windows with blankets to block out the cold wind. Although it kept us warmer, it left our apartment in darkness. On lucky evenings, if we found kerosene, we’d have light for an hour. I remember what it was like to be so hungry that I would stare at food pictures in a book, dreaming of something to eat. We burned books, shoes, and furniture just to stay warm. We lived like this for years.

Despite these terrible conditions, all I dreamed about was having a scrap of newspaper and a pencil to draw. Painting was my passion, and my soul ached for it. I didn’t have a computer, and even if I did, there was no electricity to power one. My mother sold my grandmother’s diamond ring to buy baby formula for my daughter and food. Instead of using what little was left for more food, I bought a Photoshop classroom book. Holding that book, reading it, and memorizing it from cover to cover made me feel connected to something bigger. It gave me strength.

Photoshop became a beacon of hope in a dark time. That one book helped me survive and reminded me of the creativity that still lived inside me. Adobe, and specifically Photoshop, became a lifeline for my family. I truly believe that Adobe and Photoshop are part of the reason my mother, my daughter, and I survived. I can never express enough gratitude to Adobe and Photoshop for giving me that hope.

How I Developed My Public Speaking Skills

I learned the art of public speaking from my mother. She was an incredible teacher, and from a young age, she taught me the importance of expressing myself clearly and confidently. When I present, whether on stage, in a classroom, or at a community gathering, I feel at home. Sharing my passion and knowledge with an audience brings me immense joy and makes me feel alive. There’s nothing more rewarding than connecting with others through creativity and education.

I hope this post has answered some of your questions. If you have more, don’t hesitate to ask!

If you’d like to check out my tech blog, click here.

For you, My News, My news of the week

Domestic Violence

Today marks another year since I lost my daughter to domestic violence. Another year has passed, and it has not gotten any easier. My daughter died at her own father’s hands. Her name was Mariam. All these years, I’ve blamed myself for not being able to save my baby (I know it was impossible in that situation), and I’ve been asking her for forgiveness.

But this year, I did something I haven’t been able to do for so many years. I didn’t see my baby grow up, so I painted a portrait of her as I imagined she would look now. It wasn’t easy—many emotions were involved—but I did it.

This year, I also decided to turn my pain into something positive. In the next few weeks, I will create a Facebook page for domestic violence survivors where we can all heal and see the beauty of the world through art. I will share the group with you when it will go live.

So, I am asking all of you, if you are a domestic violence survivor, to join my group. If you know someone who is, please share it with them.

Remember: Violence is NEVER OK. It’s never OK if someone apologizes after abuse saying, “I’m sorry,” “I’m sorry I was mad,” “I’m sorry, it will never happen again,” “I’m sorry, you know I love you,” or “I’m sorry, but it was your fault, you made me do this.” REMEMBER: It’s not your fault. You DON’T deserve it. You DID NOT make anyone abuse you.

REMEMBER: Help is available 24/7. Call, Chat, or TEXT

Just in case you missed it: You can read all my technology news on my Victoria Pavlov Tech Blog