Konstantin Ivanovich Rudakov was born to an artist and stage decorator for the Marinsky Theater. He attended the studio classes of B.M. Kustodiev, E.E. Lansere, and M.V. Dobuzhinsky and, in 1913, entered the Higher Art College, an institution affiliated with the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg, under the direction of Professor D.N. Kardovsky. In 1928-1932, Rudakov produced a series of watercolors, lithographs and monotypes entitled Nepmen. Concurrently, Rudakov produced a collection of watercolors under the title Zapad [The West] inspired by the works of French impressionists. Using a variety of techniques, Rudakov favored mixed media, watercolors and gouache. His portraits, lyrical in mood, are thoughtful and vivid representations of human individuality. Rudakov was also a prolific book illustrator for authors including Zola, de Maupassant, Chekhov, Tolstoy and Pushkin.