The Lyudmila Sikhosana Story
'Painting outdoors makes me slow down and really observe the landscape, the light and the atmosphere. I hope my paintings can share something of that experience with others and encourage them to look at the world around them more closely'
Plein-air artist Lyudmila Sikhosana on painting as ‘translating’, how inspiration can reach far beyond ‘what I actually see’, and why capturing a specific moment means embracing constant change
Pictured: Sikhosana's painting tour of Armenia. You can find Axegis, Armenia and Armenian Mountains in our Summer Exhibition!
'I see limitations and constraints as part of the painting process rather than something negative [...] If the light changes or the weather becomes difficult, I adapt the painting rather than trying to control everything'
'For me, art is a way of connecting with the world and with other people'
Pictured: In 2025, Sikhosana received the Cambridgeshire Plein Air Artist of the Year Award for her painting Through the Green Arc.
'Art gave me a way of capturing what I see – the fullness and complexity of the world around me – and, more importantly, how nature makes me feel'
1. How did you come to art?
I came to art quite late, I would say: it was only in college, when I was eighteen or nineteen, that I decided this was what I really wanted to do with my life. I’ve always loved nature and felt very connected to it, and at some point I wanted to find a way to express that. Art gave me a way of capturing what I see – the fullness and complexity of the world around me – and, more importantly, how nature makes me feel. That’s really where my journey with art began. I studied Art and Technical Drawing at university, and I’ve been practising and teaching ever since.
I’m fascinated by the colours, light, textures and constant changes in the natural world. Creating gives me a way to slow down, really observe those moments, and translate what I feel into something visual.
2. What inspires you?
I’m inspired by the changing seasons, the light, colours, textures and the small details that can easily go unnoticed. I love how nature can evoke different feelings and memories, and I’m often inspired by those emotions as much as what I actually see.
3. What do you need to make your art?
I work mainly in oils. I usually begin with a small pencil sketch on paper to explore the idea and composition; I then develop the sketch further, thinking about the colours, light and mood I want to capture, before moving onto the canvas. I really enjoy watching a simple pencil idea gradually evolve into a finished oil painting.
4. What is the process by which you make your work?
I always paint outdoors, working directly from the landscape. My process begins with observing the place and looking for a composition that interests me. I pay particular attention to the light, atmosphere, colours, and changes in the weather. I then start with the main shapes and values in oil paint and gradually build up the painting. Because the light is constantly changing, I try to capture the feeling and atmosphere of that particular moment. For me, the process is about being present in the landscape and translating my experience of it into paint.
5. How is your art influenced by the space in which you create it?
The space where I create my work has a strong influence on my painting because I always work outdoors, directly in the landscape. Being physically present in the environment allows me to experience the light, atmosphere, weather, colours and sounds of the place.
I see limitations and constraints as part of the painting process rather than something negative. When I paint outdoors, I have to respond to changing light, weather, temperature, and limited time. These conditions encourage me to work quickly and make decisions intuitively. If the light changes or the weather becomes challenging, I adapt the painting rather than trying to control everything. I think these limitations can make the work more spontaneous and help me capture the atmosphere and feeling of a particular moment.
6. What does being in a creative community – like COS – mean for you?
For me, being part of Cambridge Open Studios this year, and exhibiting at ArtSpace5-7 in Portugal Place – my second time participating in a group exhibition here! – is about being part of a group of people who are passionate about art and observation. In general, I enjoy the opportunity to meet other artists; see how they work; share ideas; and be inspired by different approaches, styles and ways of working. I work mainly alone and out of doors, so having a creative community around me is important as it gives me a sense of connection and encourages me to keep exploring and developing my own work.
7. What is art for?
For me, art is a way of connecting with the world and with other people. Painting outdoors makes me slow down and really observe the landscape, the light and the atmosphere. I hope my paintings can share something of that experience with others and encourage them to look at the world around them more closely.
Based on an interview between Lyudmila Sikhosana and Georgia Short on 14 August 2026.
Lyudmila Sikhosana is an ArtSpace5-7 represented artist.
