Irina Kurganskaya

Hidden Corners of Lisbon
9 artworks


In this series, I wander through Lisbon not as a visitor, but as a quiet observer, discovering the little courtyards where life unfolds softly. Each painting captures a moment of calm—sunlit balconies, blooming flowers, weathered tiles, and windows that hold their own stories. These hidden corners are easy to miss in the rush of the city, yet they carry its true soul: simple beauty, gentle light, and a sense of timeless warmth. Through watercolor, I hope to preserve these intimate places and sh

The Taste of Time
5 artworks


A series dedicated to Portugal’s sweetest traditions, “The Taste of Time” captures the golden warmth of pastel de nata and the quiet beauty of everyday moments. Through soft light, timeless textures, and the familiar charm of azulejo tiles, each painting celebrates the harmony between taste, memory, and culture — transforming simple delights into lasting works of art.

Blue Soul of Portugal
6 artworks


The watercolor series “Blue Soul of Portugal” explores the architecture and atmosphere of Portuguese towns through a serene palette dominated by shades of blue. Each vertical painting (12 × 40 cm) presents a unique glimpse of buildings and decorative tile motifs, combining realistic detail with the lightness of watercolor. Inspired by the harmony between stone and sky, tradition and modern life, this series reflects the timeless elegance and emotional depth that define Portugal’s visual identi

Roads of Memory: Every Mile Holds a Story
10 artworks


“Roads of Memory” is a journey across time, painted on the very maps that once guided it. Each work begins with an authentic Soviet paper map, layered onto canvas, carrying the traces of forgotten routes and distant places. Over this history, hyperrealistic portraits of vintage cars, trains, and scooters emerge — machines that once defined the rhythm of travel. Every brushstroke preserves not just a vehicle, but the era, stories, and emotions it carried. In these roads, every mile truly holds a

Lisbon Window Stories
2 artworks


Lisbon Window Stories is a series of small watercolor paintings capturing the quiet beauty of Lisbon’s everyday life — one window at a time. Each piece is inspired by real moments I’ve seen while walking through the city: balconies with red flowers soaking in the sun, white laundry swaying in the breeze, walls covered in time-worn azulejo tiles. These are not grand landmarks — they are the intimate corners of Lisbon that speak softly, yet stay with you. Painted in a compact A5 format, these wo

Threads of Ukrainian Soul
5 artworks


“Threads of Ukrainian Soul” is a heartfelt artistic series that celebrates the essence of Ukraine through a unique blend of painting and traditional craftsmanship. Each piece combines vibrant acrylic painting on canvas with intricate cross-stitch embroidery, a technique deeply rooted in Ukrainian heritage. This fusion of art forms represents the harmonious interplay between past and present, nature and culture, tradition and innovation. The series draws inspiration from the beauty of Ukraine’s

Baked Bliss: A Feast for the Eyes
4 artworks


Step into a world where the simple act of baking becomes a celebration of artistry and tradition. This series of hyperrealistic acrylic paintings showcases a variety of freshly baked delights—from rustic bread loaves and golden pancakes to Portugal’s iconic pastel de nata and beyond. Each piece highlights the irresistible charm of baked goods in their many forms, capturing both their beauty and the emotions they inspire. Through intricate details and vibrant textures, these works transform the

Cheers
2 artworks

Edible Headlines
22 artworks


This series transforms seafood dishes into captivating front-page stories, blending the ephemeral nature of news with the enduring artistry of culinary traditions. Each painting spotlights the beauty and cultural significance of food, capturing a singular moment in time—whether it’s the vibrant preparation of a red crab or the nostalgic simplicity of dried roach fish. Using real newspaper as the foundation, the artworks establish a profound connection between food and storytelling. Just as head

Urban plants
1 artwork

Whispers Through the Wall
12 artworks


The “Whispers Through the Wall” series offers an enchanting glimpse into a world where nature and tradition meet. Each watercolor painting showcases a tree branch, laden with fruit—lemons, apples, or olives—emerging gracefully from the top of the frame. The branches appear as if leaning down to whisper stories of history, culture, and vibrant life to the worn cement walls they touch. The textured cement background symbolizes endurance and strength, echoing the enduring beauty of Portuguese herit

Portuguese Harvest on Azulejo Time
27 artworks


These series of paintings are celebration of Portugal's enduring connection to its land and traditions. The cracked, blue and white azulejo tiles—symbols of Portuguese craftsmanship—tell the story of resilience and time. The fruits and vegetables resting on the tiles represent the country’s rich and abundant harvest. Each element reflects the timeless beauty of Portugal’s seasons, from grapes and figs to olives and pomegranates, connecting past and present. With these series, I invite you to ex

Floral Heritage: Portugal in Bloom
19 artworks


The "Floral Heritage" series highlights the beauty of Portugal's most commonly grown flowers, set against subtle hints of blue azulejo tiles. Each watercolor painting features a single flower in realistic detail, with a gentle suggestion of the iconic Portuguese tiles in the background. This collection celebrates the vibrant flora of Portugal while paying homage to its rich cultural backdrop. Realistic Florals: Each painting features a different flower commonly found in Portuguese gardens and l

Revive, Respect, Retain
13 artworks


"Revive, Respect, Retain" is a series of watercolor paintings designed to draw attention to the vital importance of protecting and preserving the unique and ancient artifacts that form our shared history. Through this series, I aim to highlight the beauty and significance of historical items, ranging from simple, everyday objects to rare and valuable treasures. Concept: In our fast-paced, modern world, it's easy to overlook the importance of preserving our past. Many historical artifacts are ne

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