An artist with an international following, Yana Beylinson has developed a signature nature-centric style that she applies to all aspects of her practice. Born in Tashkent, Uzbekistan, Yana began a rigorous education in painting at the age of 10. She came to the United States as a refugee in 1995. Beylinson earned her BBA at Baruch College in New York City in 2000. From that point, she attended multiple continued education courses at the School of Visual Arts, Parsons, and SVA in New York City. Beginning in 2016, Beylinson started taking continuing education courses in fine arts at the New York Academy of Art and studying with many accomplished artists.

In this week’s studio visit interview, artist Yana Beylinson invites us into her creative space and shares the daily rituals and inspirations that fuel her work. Yana talks about her morning routine, the painting process, and the importance of mindfulness in her art. She is often accompanied by her giant Airedale terrier, Teddy, who is a constant presence and a muse in her studio. The converted pool house’s studio is filled with the calming scent of incense from Bodha, creating a serene atmosphere that reflects Yana’s thoughtful approach to her craft.

1.   Yana, Can you describe your typical studio day and creative process?

I wake up early and have breakfast with my family. After my younger son (13 years old) goes to his school bus, I make a fresh cup of tea and walk to my studio. This is a sacred space for me, and I enter it as such, with reverence and gratitude. The building was a pool house in our backyard, which I refitted to be a proper artist studio, with good lighting, white walls, and an abundance of good energy. After checking my emails, I make a plan for the day. On a painting day, I sit in front of the painting in progress and think about the next step. I light up my favorite incense and play devotional music (Deva Premal is my favorite). I go into painting like stepping into a clear healing stream. I keep working until 4 pm when my son comes back from school. Then I redirect to the second portion of my day: we go to his activities or a park, have dinner, and walk the dog. I usually return to my studio later in the evening to clean up and put my painting to bed, so I must resolve the edges too hard. Since I work wet into wet, it must be done sooner rather than later. On my teaching days, I don’t paint and devote all my time and energy to my students. I teach on Zoom with private students, with a unique approach for every person.

2.     What is the primary inspiration behind your current body of work?  

My current work, The Dutch, is an ongoing exploration and reinterpretation of 17th-century Dutch masterpieces. These works, with their meticulous attention to detail, controlled compositions, and strong use of light, serve as the foundation for my process. In this series, I engage in a dynamic, call-and-response dialogue with the classical still lifes and portraits of that era. Through this interaction, I seek to deconstruct and reimagine these iconic works by employing expressive, open brush strokes that contrast with the precise and tightly controlled techniques of the Dutch masters. I intend to translate these historic pieces into a contemporary visual language that bridges the gap between the old and the new, offering a fresh perspective while honoring the timelessness of the original masterpieces.

3. What is your favorite memory or incident from your studio?

Every day is an adventure, and I love being in my studio. I recreate my favorite memory every single day!

4. Do you have any studio assistants, or do any visitors like pets or kids often accompany you?

I have a studio assistant who comes once a week. My dog, a giant Airedale terrier, Teddy, is here almost daily. He is my muse. My children come in when they are in the house, but they are respectful of my space when I’m working.

5. How would you describe a dream studio for yourself?

My dream studio is my current studio! My goal was to have a private space; all of mine was on our property but not a part of the house. I converted our pool house into a studio, which is perfect.

6. What does your studio smell of right now?

It smells of wonderful incense by Bodha, a meditative fragrance studio in Los Angeles.

7. If you could set up your studio anywhere in the world, where would it be?

The Amalfi Coast, Tuscany, or the South of France would do great!

8. Can you discuss any ongoing projects or plans for your work?  

I plan to expand the scale of my work and experiment with larger pieces. Because I focus on a brush stroke when I paint, I will have to use really large brushes. I am very much looking forward to this. Also, I continue to work from life, pushing the bounds of expressionistic painting.

9. How do you organize your space?

I do a full studio cleanup once in a while, making sure everything is in its place. I like to do an exercise when I get rid of 20 unnecessary items in my studio. The placement of furniture and easels is based on Feng Shui principles. I position my computer and canvas when I paint in my successful direction.

10. What is your favorite corner in the studio?

The North West – my success direction!

Yana’s studio feels like a serene and inspiring sanctuary. It is a peaceful space thoughtfully arranged with white walls and plenty of natural light, creating a calming and energizing atmosphere. Visit our website to explore other artists’ virtual studio spaces. To get featured on our website, don’t forget to apply for this month’s call for art.

Read more about Yana Beylinson on her Website and Instagram.