About Artist - Violetta Kurbanova

About Violetta Kurbanova

Born in Southern Russia, Violetta Kurbanova was raised amid the breathtaking Caucasus Mountains and the Black Sea landscapes. From a young age, she was drawn to the beauty of her surroundings, often exploring her hometown in search of inspiring scenes. With an innate curiosity and boundless imagination, she found herself captivated by nature’s ever-changing colours, which later became the foundation of her artistic journey.

Her passion for art emerged early, serving as both an outlet and a source of strength. She diligently sketched and painted the world around her, from the golden hues of autumn leaves to the endless horizon where the hills met the sea. Even before earning a formal qualification in the arts, she demonstrated remarkable skill and dedication. At just 14 years old, she was accepted into the prestigious Krasnodar National Art School, where she honed her abilities in drawing, painting, and sculpture. This early training equipped her with the versatility to master various artistic mediums.

In addition to her love for art, Violetta developed a deep appreciation for mathematics, ultimately earning a degree in Applied Mathematics. For 17 years, she worked as a software programmer, balancing her technical career with an enduring passion for painting. Despite the demands of her profession, she continued to refine her artistic skills, ensuring that creativity remained at the heart of her life.

A new chapter began in 2008 when Violetta and her family migrated to Australia. Embracing this bold transition, she fully committed herself to her dream of becoming a professional artist. As an adventurer at heart, she travelled extensively across the country, immersing herself in its breathtaking landscapes and finding endless inspiration for her work.

Her artistic journey has since expanded beyond watercolours to large-scale public art. Over the past few years, she has completed more than 40 indoor and outdoor mural projects for aged care facilities across Sydney. These works go beyond decoration; they create immersive environments that bring comfort, joy, and a connection to nature for residents and visitors alike.

A respected member of the Australian art community, Violetta is affiliated with esteemed organisations such as the Royal Art Society, Ku-ring-gai Art Society, Drummoyne Art Society, and Lane Cove Art Society. Her works have been exhibited in renowned galleries and international art shows across Australia, Europe, the Middle East, Asia, and the Americas. Many of her paintings now reside in corporate and private collections worldwide.

Violetta’s talent has been recognised with numerous accolades. She has received top honours in prestigious watercolour competitions, including the Australian Watercolour Muster Biennale, Hunter’s Hill Art Award, and Lane Cove Art Award. Her work has also been selected for international exhibitions such as Fabriano In Acquarello in Italy, the International Watercolour Society Biennales, and the Watercolour & Spirit Triennial in Bulgaria, among many others.

Her work has been featured in notable publications, including Australian Artist (June 2017) and Artist’s Palette magazine (September 2017, Issue No. 155).

AWARDS

2025 – Finalist – 2nd Qingdao International Watercolour Festival – China
2025 – Finalist – The Watercolour Golden Brush virtual exhibition-competition 2025, France
2025 – Finalist – IV International Triennial WATERCOLOR & SPIRIT – Varna, Bulgaria
2025 – Finalist – 4th International Watercolour Society India Biennale 2022 (IWSIB) – New Delhi, India
2024 – Finalist – The Watercolour Golden Brush virtual exhibition-competition 2024, France
2024 – Excellence Award – IWS New Zealand International Watercolour Competition – Auckland, New Zealand
2024 – Fabriano In Acquarello 2024 – International Watercolour Symposium – finalist from Australia – Bologna, Italy
2023 – WINNER – 32 Best in The Australian Watercolour Muster Biennale
2023 – Fabriano In Acquarello 2023 – International Watercolour Symposium – finalist from Australia – Bologna, Italy
2023 – “TOP 20 Artworks Awards” – International Watercolour Society exhibition – Mexico City
2023 – Finalist – “Watercolour without border” 2nd International Watercolour Society exhibition – Istanbul.
2023 – Finalist – INTERNATIONAL MASTERS OF WATERCOLOUR “Goddess of Beauty International Watercolour Online Exhibition 2023”
2023 – Finalist – IWS Japan Nadeshiko Watercolour Triennale – Japan
2023 – Finalist – International Watercolour Society Florida USA Biennale – Florida, USA
2023 – Finalist – The I International Watercolour Festival of IWS-Arte21 “Cordoba, Watercolour and World Heritage” – Cordoba, Spain
2022 – WINNER – First prize in watercolour – Hunter’s Hill Art Award 2022 – Sydney, Australia
2022 – WINNER – First prize in watercolour – Lane Cove Art Award 2022 – Sydney, Australia
2022 – Finalist – IWS Greece International Symposium & Art Show “Memories Unite Us” – Thessaloniki, Greece
2022 – Contest WINNER – International watercolour contest ‘A Peaceful World’ organised by par: Aquarelle Pyrenees, France – Toulouse, France
2022 – International Watercolour Masters – Top 200 Merit Award from the IWM2022 contest – United Kingdom
2022 – Fabriano In Acquarello 2022 – International Watercolour Symposium – finalist from Australia – Bologna, Italy
2022 – III International Triennial WATERCOLOR & SPIRIT – Varna 2022 – finalist – Varna, Bulgaria
2022 – 3rd International Watercolour Society India Biennale 2022 (IWSIB) – finalist – New Delhi, India
2022 – Art Lovers Australia Art Prize – finalist – Sydney, Australia
2021 – WINNER – 32 Best in The Australian Watercolour Muster
2021 – Finalist – International Watercolour Society First IWS International Watercolour Biennale, South Korea
2021- Finalist – International Watercolour Society First Watercolour Festival IWS Russia 2021
2019, 2018, 2017, 2015 – Finalist – Hunters Hills Art Prize
2019 WINNER watercolour – 59 City of Ryde art exhibition
2016 WINNER watercolour- Randwick Art Society 6th Annual Exhibition

Violetta continues to push the boundaries of watercolour and mural art, creating pieces that inspire, uplift, and connect people to the natural world.

PUBLICATIONS

“Australian Artist” June 2017

“Australia Artist’s Palette” magazine No.155 on September 2017