Annie Domini is the artistic name under which I paint and teach. I was born Anna Tikhomirova.
I grew up in Moscow in a family of artists and have always been fascinated by colour, light and the natural world. After graduating from the Stroganov Academy of Fine Arts, I settled in south-west London, where I now divide my time between painting, teaching and developing new creative projects.
I am a kind of person who studies Latin for fun.
I grew up in Moscow in a family of artists spanning four generations. There were so many artists around me that, as a child, I simply assumed this was how life worked. People were born, they grew up... and then they became artists. It never occurred to me that there might be another way.
Only later did I realise how unusual my upbringing had been. Drawing, painting and conversations about art were simply part of everyday life, and I was fortunate to grow up surrounded by people who cared deeply about craftsmanship, observation and the traditions of fine art.
If you ever go for a walk with me, don't expect to get very far very quickly. I'm usually the one being stopped in my tracks
by the colour of a wall in the evening light, the pattern of bark on a tree, or the reflections in a puddle. Those moments have a habit of staying with me. Painting is my way of exploring them and I don't consciously go looking for subjects to paint, they tend to find me.
I'm also very easily inspired. For a long time I thought that was a weakness because I found it difficult to settle on just one artistic discipline. Alongside painting, I've spent happy years drawing, making dolls, embroidering, practising calligraphy and exploring many other crafts. Looking back, I realise they all came from the same place - a delight in making things. I've never really grown out of the excitement of making something that wasn't there before.
Besides I've always liked creating things that have a purpose. Whether it's a painting that finds a home, a handmade object that is used every day, I enjoy knowing that something I've created has is meaningful and joyful for somebody.
Teaching has become one of the most rewarding parts of my work. Since 2009 I've had the privilege of teaching hundreds of adults and children, from complete beginners to experienced artists. I love watching people discover that drawing and painting are not mysterious talents, but skills that can be learnt through careful observation and practice. I often tell my students that art is not only about self-expression. It's also about skill, patience, hard work and a certain amount of humility.