ArtistsNetwork.com 35painters, learning the tricks of the
trade. He continued his studies at
the Academy of Arts, in Belgrade,
Serbia, and spent a year specializing
in Byzantine painting.
Today, after 30 years as a profes-
sional painter, Djukaric still spends a lot
of time researching and studying art.
He admires John Singer Sargent for his
strength, vigor and craftsmanship in
correcting mistakes, and he’s inspired
by Trevor Chamberlain’s sensuous
paper washing and refi ned use of light.
But for Djukaric, working at art is more
important than talent or studying.
“Only when painting becomes as
natural as breathing or walking does
mastery emerge,” he says.
Djukaric gravitated to the immedi-
acy of watercolor painting. “I don’t
have the temperament or patience to
paint for long periods of time,” he says.
“I want everything right away. Water-
color is an ideal medium for this.
Unlike any other medium, it can create
the magic in which everything is clear
and visible, and simple, with just a
splash of paint and a lot of water. A
good watercolor, in fact, reveals every-
thing from the fi rst stroke to the last.”IDEAS INTO ACTION
Djukaric starts each of his paintings
with a fully developed idea. He’ll
make smaller sketches and paintings
on the scene, but paints bigger
pieces and more complex works in
his studio. No matter where he’s
painting, he never paints exactly
what’s in front of him. Th ere’s
usually a fair amount of shifting,
borrowing and repositioning. “Th is is
the key to a good composition,” he
says, “to clear up the unnecessary, to
declutter and to add a detail that will
tell the whole story. If you manage to