As an artist and teacher, Alessandra Scandella seeks the unexpected that characterizes all living things in her works. She loves watercolors for this reason; their materiality, mutability, and expressiveness allow them to tell every kind of story.
Alessandra, what has been your educational background?
While attending university, I studied illustration at the Scuola Superiore di Arte Applicata del Castello Sforzesco in Milan. I began working in advertising right away, but I was always in search of my own style—one that represented me and that I enjoyed. This led me to focus on watercolors and inks, and I have consistently used these techniques ever since because I want to start from a place of craftsmanship. I love the unpredictable nature of ink blots, and I believe this makes a difference, especially in an era of artificial intelligence and digital processing. I have no aversion to these tools, but they need to be used judiciously. This is one of the topics I cover in my courses.
So you also became a teacher…
Yes, I teach at IED and the International School of Comics in Milan, where I specialize in watercolor and ink. I thoroughly enjoy working with young people, guiding them through a journey that starts with mastering the technique and culminates in a final project, always preserving an element of craftsmanship and manual skill. One example I often use is that of the portrait: you can start with the same subject and paint it ten times, and you will always get ten different results.
Could you describe your techniques for us?
As I mentioned, I love watercolor because it allows me to express my style with its unpredictability. I use a lot of intense and concentrated colors like reds, oranges, purples, and golds, applying them with minimal water for bold, solid areas, and contrast them with very delicate, transparent washes. I’m not fond of faded watercolor; I prefer it concentrated as it gives more energy to the artwork. I also always leave white spaces, as I believe that white highlights the color and drawing, enhancing the details. Another aspect I appreciate about watercolor is that, unlike acrylics and other techniques, it always leaves something unresolved—much like in some poetry, where the unspoken holds meaning. I often tell my students not to be afraid of using water, allowing it to create spots that tell stories. I encourage them to “dive into” these spots and draw from them.
In which fields do you work?
In addition to advertising, I work extensively in interior design, particularly in creating wallpaper. I also collaborate with the fashion and beauty industries. These fields allow me to express my style and apply my techniques in ways that resonate with me. I also participate in exhibitions, which I greatly enjoy because it gives me the chance to display original artwork.
My work for clients begins with manual execution—drawing, sketching, inking, watercolor, and stains—and then moves to a digital phase with high-resolution scans. This process allows me to preserve the original, make necessary revisions, and deliver a print-ready product. In exhibitions, however, I present the artwork with all the visible traces of manual work and unexpected elements, offering a different experience.
Could you share some of your experiences with us?
I’m very passionate about the theme of travel, which is why I enjoy working on sketchbooks, travel journals, and so on. Recently, I had the opportunity to collaborate with Moleskine and MSC Cruises, who together created a planner with illustrations inspired by different parts of the world: continents, cultures, art, and food. It was a dream project for someone in my field. I love telling stories through drawing that words cannot fully express.
Another highly stimulating project was a series of portraits for Domus, the renowned architecture magazine. This involved capturing people through images. Among my recent works, I also did a project for San Pellegrino, where I illustrated the company, its people, and its locations, including a beautiful nature reserve in Tuscany. My studio has also created animations for various clients, including Bulgari. It’s wonderful to see watercolor in action, with the formation of stains and colors in motion, truly telling stories.
With Cinquerosso Arte, I am currently focusing on nature and landscape themes. I believe watercolors are especially suited for this topic because they are natural and not synthetic like acrylics. I always carry my watercolors when I travel, creating cityscapes, landscapes, seascapes, or even people at café tables. I also draw figures that blend human and plant worlds—women dressed in garments where it’s hard to distinguish fabric from plant, leaf, or flower.
Regarding Cinquerosso Arte, how is your experience with this collaboration going?
I’m doing very well! I greatly appreciate the attention to detail, especially regarding fine art printing. There is a genuine interest in quality and professionalism that goes beyond purely commercial aspects. Overall, it’s a great adventure, and I’m committed to giving my best in this collaboration.
