Meet the Artist!

From the earliest memories of my life, I knew I was meant to be an artist.
And i meet the Artists all my life!
Even at the age of two, I would draw with my great-grandmother, who not only taught me how to make words from toy letters but also instilled in me the love for creating art. Drawing, for me, was always more than a hobby; it was a process akin to meditation, a gateway to other worlds and boundless imagination. It was natural that I would be enrolled in art school to deepen my passion.

The influence of my teachers and the people around me has been instrumental in shaping my artistic style and preferences.
I owe much of my growth to a few key figures who have greatly impacted my development as an artist, and I would like to acknowledge them here.

Meet the Artist – Volodymyr Nifontonovych Bernadskiy, an exceptional artist from my hometown of Poltava, was one of the most influential figures in my artistic education.

• Vladimir Nifontovych Bernatsky was a talented Ukrainian artist who made a significant impact in the world of watercolor and graphic design. His works were often known for their fluidity and expressive use of color, particularly through the “wet-on-wet” technique in watercolor. Bernatsky was deeply connected to his hometown of Poltava, where he became a key figure in the local art scene.
• He was a member of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine (NSHU) since 1988, and his art has been displayed in various exhibitions and is held in several important collections, including the Poltava Regional Museum of Local Lore. Despi

I had the privilege of visiting him several times a week during my early years at university. He imparted more knowledge to me than I could have ever expected, teaching me the true essence of watercolor and graphic arts. Although he is no longer with us, his legacy and his artworks continue to inspire and guide me.

You can learn more about Volodymyr Nifontonovych Bernadskiy’s work to artist’s website or biography

Another powerful influence in my life was the remarkable colorist!
Meet the Artist –Galina Ridna.

about art
Her teachings in painting and composition were pivotal during my time at university, and I owe my ability to pass my entrance exams with top marks to her guidance. Galina opened my eyes to the world of color in ways I had never imagined before. She taught me that every hue and tone could tell a story, shaping how I view the world through my brushstrokes.

The person who has had the most profound impact on me, however, is my mother. The Grate Artist and Creator!
With limitless talent and imagination and more than 50 years of experience as a theater decorator and stage prop artist, she taught me everything I know about aesthetics, composition, and the beauty of nature. She’s always have impeccable taste, a keen sense of color and proportion, and the ability to see beauty in even the most overlooked places. Her wisdom it’s my guiding light, and her influence is present in every piece I create.

Education has always been central to my growth.
I first exhibited my art at school when my teacher asked me to create a collection of paintings for a class exhibition. I was initially intimidated by the challenge, but with my mother’s support, I overcame my fears and produced a collection that was well-received. These formative experiences, along with my education at Myrhorod Technical College and later at university, helped shape me into the artist I am today. I proudly share my diplomas and certifications as a testament to these years of learning.

A special mention must go to Tarasenko Oleksandr, the head of the Department of Fine Arts at my university. He was a beautiful soul whose critical comments and guidance pushed me to prove myself and strive for improvement. He passed away in 2022, just at the start of the full-scale invasion of Ukraine, choosing to defend his homeland on the front lines, cementing his place as one of my greatest mentors.

Creative Philosophy:
My art is deeply rooted in the natural world. Flowers, animals, and nature in its many forms are often central to my work. But more recently, my focus has expanded to reflect current events, especially the ongoing war in Ukraine. I believe in the power of art to convey the struggle between good and evil, and through my work, I stand in solidarity with my homeland. Ukraine must prevail. We are a beacon of hope against the forces of terror, and this message is carried in every piece I create.

A Unique Artistic Path: