Artist Statement
I paint to uphold the eternal beauty of Classical fine art. Whether I am painting a simple still life or an elaborate portrait, I put all my heart into preserving the techniques of the Old Masters. I use classical Russian, Dutch and Flemish style techniques to depict the breathtaking beauty of the natural world. During my years in Armenia, I have painted much of its lush countryside: Armenia's striking mountains, forests and valleys.
I was born in 1960 in Moscow, Russia and lived in Yerevan, Armenia for the most of my life. I studied fine art and Russian Classical Painting at the National University of Art in Moscow and graduated with a Masters in Fine Art in 1989.
In November 2013, I relocated from Armenia to Colorado. I currently live in Denver. I am currently working on landscape, portrait and still life paintings and the restoration of an old painting.
In my first year of living in America, I was awarded 1st Place in Professional Oil Painting (Floral Category) in the 52nd Annual Fall Art Festival of the Glenwood Springs Artist's Guild. I was also honored with a Wildlife Appreciation award and another award for my miniatures. In 2015, the Annual Lone Tree Art Expo presented me with the Commissioner’s Choice award, in 2016 I received the Dick Blick Award at the Boulder Art Association’s Annual Juried Art Exhibition.
Classical painting style and traditional techniques rule in my works. I never use the affordable and popular cotton canvas and acrylic primer, but only the high quality linen canvas, masterfully stretching them and applying a special primer in the tradition of the old masters. Not only do the paintings created on linen canvas stay true to the test of time, but they also have a smoother and more robust surface. This approach gives my paintings lively energy, warmth and mystery.
I mainly work with oil paints and pastels, putting technique above all so that the natural beauty of my subject comes across in the most pure form. I also have a good feeling for other styles of painting which allows me to work on restorations.
Artist Background
Moscow State University
Master of Fine Arts, 1986