About the Artist
BIOGRAPHY
Dimitrina Stamboldjiev Kutriansky's style can best be characterized as "lyrical realism," an expression of her desire to capture and convey the inherent beauty that can be found within the seemingly ordinary corners of the natural world, while also creating a strong sense off place and atmosphere for the viewer.
In her work, Dimitrina draws upon her continual interactions with and studies of nature, as well as upon her extensive study of the landscape paintings from two iconic representational art movements: the Hudson River School and the Peredvizhniki (the historic Russian realist art movement known as "The Wanderers" or "The Itinerants").
Dimitrina's representational landscapes are a collection of both plein air studies and studio works that include scenes observed, moments experienced, and imaginary compositions derived from the visual vocabulary that she has cultivated through countless intimate encounters with nature generated by painting from life.
Born in Sofia, Bulgaria, Dimitrina immigrated to the United States with her family when her father was sent by the Holy Synod of the Bulgarian Eastern Orthodox Church to serve as a parish priest in the Midwest. She was awarded full tuition scholarships for both her bachelors and masters of arts degrees, obtaining the former from the Southern Illinois University of Edwardsville and the latter from the University of Iowa’s nationally renowned printmaking program.
While in Iowa, Dimitrina studied directly under Mauricio Lasansky, one of the “Fathers of 20th Century American Printmaking.” This background in printmaking can be observed in the works she has completed in other media and, especially, in her oil paintings, which are characterized by her unique use of line, value, and varied hard and soft edges.
Dimitrina has an active exhibition schedule, including often showing her new works in solo and featured artist exhibitionss, as well as frequently participating in juried exhibitions, invitational shows, and other competitions, through which she has won numerous awards and has exhibited her works in galleries, universities, and museums throughout the country. She is a Signature Artist member of the Heartland Art Club and is also a juried member of several professional organizations, including the International Guild of Realism, the American Artists Professional League, and the Oil Painters of America.
Additionally, Dimitrina’s artwork has been featured in multiple publications, exhibition catalogues, magazines, websites, and art blogs, including ArtSlant’s “Emerging Artists in Painting,” Fordham University’s “Cura: A Literary Magazine of Art & Action,” and the popular blog “Empty Easel.” She was also selected as one of the winners of North Light Book’s national competition and publication Strokes of Genius 7 - The Best of Drawing: Depth, Dimension, and Space, juried into the American Artists Professional League’s 88th Grand National Exhibition at the Salmagundi Club, and named a Finalist in the 12th International Art Renewal Center (ARC) Salon.
Dimitrina lives with her husband and daughter in the Metro St. Louis, Missouri area, which is a relatively short drive away from the scenic and endlessly inspiring Missouri Wine Country, where she routinely paints en plain air. Her work is currently available at Compônere Gallery of Art (St. Louis, MO), Studio b. Gallery (Three Oaks, MI), and Sarah Jessica Fine Arts (Provincetown, MA) and will soon be available at Weiler House Fine Art Gallery (Fort Worth, Texas).
"First one has to love nature
with all one’s heart and soul,
and be able to study and admire it
for hours on end.
Everything is in nature.
A plant, a leaf, a blade of grass,
should be the subjects
of infinite and fruitful meditations;
for the artist, a cloud floating in the sky
has form, and the form affords him joy,
helps him think.
– William Bouguereau
