I love Amsterdam. It’s a city I’ve been to three times now and I’m sure it gets better every time I go. Today, I’m showcasing the work of Ukrainian artist Helen Prokopovych, who has created a beautiful series of pastel sketches of Amsterdam – with a difference!
Your pastel pieces of Amsterdam are lovely and atmospheric. How did this style develop?
Thank you. Inspiration plays a major role in my life. Once I’ve been walking towards Leidceplein (one of the busiest places in Amsterdam) and I thought… It would be awesome to try to paint this area on black paper, all the illumination and neon lights will be stunning on the black base. Though I had no idea how to implement that, I felt very inspired. So after checking art shops and trying different materials, I decided on pastels and ink pen. 
Let’s talk about process. What steps do you take when creating each piece?
Most of the time I practice outdoor painting. I can’t verbally explain what the emotional difference between indoor and outdoor painting is. You have to feel it. Light, weather, people and the atmosphere around create a unique environment for working. Do you think you can feel same at home? No way. After integrating into Dutch culture, I couldn’t imagine a single day without a bicycle. So every painting session started with cycling with my painting kit to the site. Sometimes I found places when cycling somewhere else and then I returned. Usually I sketched with a pencil, and afterwards went over it in pastels and ink pen. But after some time I started to skip sketching and drew the outlines of the view only with a pen, and then colored the painting using pastels. There were only a few times when I took the sketch to my studio to paint with pastels indoors. 
What inspires these pieces?
Architecture and nature are the strongest sources of inspiration for me. I have a degree in architecture and maybe that is why I am attracted to buildings and streets more than anything else. Sea and boats are now among my major objects of inspiration, too. But in Amsterdam, every canal carries a new emotion for me. And the fact that people recognize not popular or touristic spots, but just ordinary and sometimes hidden places, inspires me to continue painting. 
What do you hope the pieces tell viewers about Amsterdam?
I hope that everybody finds something interesting for themselves. I do not promote any particular idea with this collection and give space to see different things. I call the collection Black Amsterdam because it is made on black paper. But also because “black” associates with mystical. So this gives a small touch of intrigue into the perception of the paintings. 
Where or what was your favourite place or thing in Amsterdam and why?
I like Museumplein very much. It is a square, where there are three of the most prominent museums in the Netherlands: The Rijksmuseum, the Van Gogh museum, and the Stedelijk museum of modern art. I like the Van Gogh museum most of all. But also on this square there is a huge grass field where tourists and locals hang day and night. Also, the “I AMSTERDAM” sculpture was placed here. People come here to play ball games, sit and relax, have a picnic, gather with friends, or just paint (like me). This square also hosts big events – like Uitmarkt festival or Queen’s Day. Every winter a skating rink is installed there – it’s just a continuously changing place. 
What do you love most about the city? How is this represented in the pieces (if at all)?
“Where else on earth could you find, as easily as you do here, all the conveniences of life and all the curiosities you could hope to see? In what other country could you find such complete freedom, or sleep with less anxiety?” -Rene Descartes about The Netherlands. Liberty and respect for individual opinion have been attracting talented people to Amsterdam for many centuries. It remains a liberal city with a busy cultural life and beautiful landscapes. At the same time it is a highly technological city and a cozy place to reside. The best Djs play just around the corner, famous art festivals and expositions take place every month, and there’s the tulips, cheese and the welcoming Dutch – you probably will never want to leave this place after you experience living here. 
Finally, do you have a tip or piece of advice about Amsterdam for any readers who are planning on visiting soon?
Take a free walking tour to discover the old part of city, which is covered with legends and stories. And, of course, don’t miss the canal tour on a boat – once you’ve finished walking, enjoy a ride. If you like art, please don’t miss museums like the Van Gogh museum, or Rembrandt House. Here you can find unusual museums too, like the bag’s museum or the Ship museum. And finally, take a day trip to the countryside – Zaanse Schans, to visit a traditional Dutch area with windmills. If you are lucky enough to arrive in spring, Keukenhof is the best place to see huge tulip fields and flower expositions. You can see more of Helen’s work on her site. Finally… Musement, a site offering museum tickets, art tours, and cultural activities has kindly let Wanderarti readers get €5 off purchases. Just use the code WANDERARTI and you can get discounted offers all over Europe! 
