I began my journey as an artist at a very young age having inherited artistic abilities from my father. I was born and grew up in Ukraine.
At the age of 12 after passing an entrance examination I began a rigorous Classical Old Masters art education program, which would take me almost 10 years to complete. After completing my education I didn’t know any contemporary artist in Ukraine so the prospect of becoming professional artist never even crossed my mind. I was also an accomplished dressmaker and had my own clientele from which I was able to make a living.
Life was difficult and opportunities were limited in the former USSR. I started looking for solutions to better my world and to give my growing daughter a better future. In 1992 I immigrated to New Zealand and started painting again. Since that time I enjoyed amazing success and a growing reputation as one of the country’s top watercolour artist and teacher.
I become known for my detailed floral compositions and ability as a skillful portrait artist. My chosen mediums are oil and watercolour, and my style is best described as Contemporary Realism. My traditional art school background taught me that the real skill comes from: “Say what you want to say with minimum brushstrokes.”