Krzysztof Ludwin

Krzysztof Ludwin – painter, architect and academic (PhD Arch., Professor at Cracow University of Technology). A watercolour specialist, co-founder of the Polish Watercolour Society (SAP) and author of the PWN handbook “Learning Watercolour” (2011).

Krzysztof Ludwin – master of watercolour, architect and educator

Krzysztof Ludwin, born in Kraków, is a painter and architect (PhD Arch., Professor, CUT), member of the Association of Polish Artists (ZPAP) and co-founder of the Polish Watercolour Society (SAP). He focuses on easel painting in watercolour, combining colour sensitivity with architectural precision.

Biography and education

Graduate of the Faculty of Architecture, Cracow University of Technology (1981–1987) and the Industrial Design Department, Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków (1987–1988). Author of the handbook “Learning Watercolour” (PWN, 2011). Participant of numerous plein airs and exhibitions in Poland and abroad.

Selected key exhibitions

• “Beyond Eighties”, Strawberry Fields, Kraków (1990)
• Album launch “Kraków in Watercolours”, Tarnowskie Góry (2002), Kraków (2003)
• “The World in Watercolour”, BWA Rzeszów (2011); Hotel Niebieski, Kraków (2018)
• “Mood Variability”, Regional Museum, Radomsko (2020)

International exhibitions (selected)

• Copenhagen (1983), London – POSK (1989)
• International Watercolour Festival, Brioude, France (2009, 2011, 2013, 2017, 2021)
• Rennes & Brittany shows (2011)
• ECWS, Avignon (2016)

Awards

1st Prize – International Painting Competition, Rennes (2011) for the oil painting “Paris Vibrations”.

Technique & Watercolour Tips

In watercolour, light comes from the paper. Krzysztof Ludwin starts with broad washes, reserving highlights, then strengthens edges and contrasts with controlled glazes. Soft transitions are painted wet-in-wet; crisp accents arrive wet-on-dry. Explore more works in watercolour.

Architectural precision meets the freedom of the wash. Establish composition and perspective first, lay large tonal masses to set the mood, and add detail only at the end with a fine brush and measured saturation. Learn more about the artist: Krzysztof Ludwin.

Pro tip: use 100% cotton papers (300–640 gsm), keep a restrained palette (e.g., ultramarine, burnt sienna, lemon yellow, alizarin), and preserve breathing spaces of white. If a wash blooms, embrace it as expressive value rather than over-correcting with heavy layers.