Katya Gridneva

Katya Gridneva

Katya Gridneva was born in 1965 in the Ukraine. As a child she loved to draw and paint, but this talent was set aside when she was selected to be a gymnast at one of Russia's prestigious Sports Schools. This career came to an abrupt end when she was injured in a fall from the bar. Her significant artistic talent was recognised by her acceptance in 1993 to the Academy of Fine Arts in St. Petersburg.

Best known for her figurative pastel works, several of Katya's models are renowned ballerinas from the world famous Kirov company and Marrinsky Theatre. Katya won first prize for her portraits at the end of her first year of studies in 1994. Since completing her studies in St. Petersburg she has exhibited widely in Great Britain, exhibiting with the Royal Pastel Society at the Mall Gallery and the Alberti Gallery in at many of London' Art Fairs and in the USA.

1991 attended drawing classes in St.-Petersburg Academy of Arts.1993-1999 studied in portrait studio in St.-Petersburg Academy of Arts.Since 1999 lives and works in the UK.2000 – 2002 Artist Resident Highclere Castle

http://katyagridneva.com/