Learning to draw with illustrator Viktorija Semjonova’s playful books

The nearly 200-page publication Drawing Nature. 100 Prompts, Projects and Playful Exercises is an interactive book-journal, gathering 100 suggestions, playful activities, and step-by-step projects dedicated to the theme of nature — trees, flowers, and more. «After the release of my previous book, Drawing People, I noticed myself increasingly drawn to nature. I started sketching more landscapes and thoroughly enjoyed outdoor drawing. I thought that if I felt this way, there must be many others who do too,» illustrator Viktorija Semjonova explains how the idea for her new book was born. It «invites people to draw nature, from vast forests to a potted flower». The author says the book is intended for a wide audience — both for those with experience who are seeking new sources of inspiration and for those who simply wish to spend creative time drawing with friends or children. «I will teach how to start drawing, how to experiment with composition and materials, how to shift perspective, and how to find one’s creative voice when depicting nature.»

Drawing Nature: 100 Prompts, Projects and Playful Exercises is Viktorija Semjonova’s third educational book published by Hardie Grant London. The idea for a book filled with various activities came to her around 2017, when Viktorija lived in London and conducted art workshops, particularly focusing on gouache and watercolour techniques, as well as portraiture. «I wanted to share everything I had learned and discovered while teaching others.» The accumulated teaching materials, participants’ feedback, and their questions encouraged Viktorija to dedicate a book to her beloved technique — gouache — which she has used since childhood. The book was already «alive» in Viktorija’s mind when, during the pandemic in 2020, and after discussions with several other publishers, she was approached by Hardie Grant London. «I was uncertain about the future, trapped in a flat due to Covid restrictions. I would draw the bushes I could see outside the window and tried to perfect the best potato pancake recipe. Thus, the opportunity to work on this major project came at exactly the right time, and I was genuinely delighted to be able to share my skills and be useful to others,» Viktorija recalls the beginning of the collaboration.

In 2021, the publishing house released The Art of Gouache, containing 20 creative project ideas. In 2023 came Drawing People. 100 Prompts, Projects and Playful Exercises, focusing on the art of drawing faces, characters, and people in motion. And at the end of March this year, Drawing Nature: 100 Prompts, Projects and Playful Exercises followed. The format of the latter two books differs slightly from the first — the tasks are shorter, and readers can draw directly within the pages of the book. Viktorija is pleased that the publisher has trusted her vision and ideas completely since the first publication. «A great many people are involved in the creation of a book — from the initial idea, illustrations and writing to editing, graphic design, and printing. I am grateful to have had the chance to work with truly passionate professionals who create books they themselves would want to have on their shelves.»

In all her books, including her latest, Viktorija strives to «explain and share the recipe for her creative process”» She aims to translate intuitive actions into words and specific techniques, analysing her methods and «translating» them into comprehensible strategies. «It is always important to me to break an idea down into small, easily understandable actions. After all, we do not begin running marathons without training — we first simply enjoy a slow, short jog in the park. It’s the same with drawing.» In her books, the illustrator offers people tools to experiment, try different approaches, and find their own style. Illustrations can vary greatly. They can feature decorative patterns, visual stories, portraits, landscapes… They can be realistic, abstract, stylised, or minimalistic. An image can be based on form, colour, rhythm, or emotion. There are a million ways to draw, and each one is unique,» Viktorija believes.

Drawing Nature: 100 Prompts, Projects and Playful Exercises can be ordered online.

About the author

«I love drawing very much,» the illustrator admits candidly. She says that «it can open doors to new worlds and opportunities» but, at the same time, is «simply a fun, light, and playful activity» that should not be taken too seriously. Viktorija herself enjoys working with her hands, using traditional materials — primarily gouache, pencils, various dip pens, and interesting types of paper for collages.

She received her first education in art at Gulbene Art School and Māra Muižniece’s Riga Art School, both of which she speaks of very highly. «These schools have shaped and influenced me so deeply that without them I certainly would not be the artist I am today.» After obtaining a bachelor’s degree in Visual Communication at the University of Bedfordshire, United Kingdom, Viktorija began working on personal projects, which gradually led to collaborations with publishers and companies. At the same time, she drew portraits and conducted creative workshops for various clients, including YouTube, Pinterest, and the Victoria and Albert Museum in London.

Currently, Viktorija Semjonova lives in Bergen, Norway, where she runs a monthly drawing club and is working on her master’s thesis. «My research focuses on illustration as a tool for depicting the inexpressible, particularly when speaking about feelings of belonging, national identity, and connections with other people and places. Illustration as a form of communication can help express what cannot be put into words.»

You can follow Victoria’s creative journey on her website and Instagram account.