In 2011, while completing my Master’s degree at UNSW COFA, I joined a student artist group called All For You (AFY). The group brings together artists who were studying at or had graduated from the College of Fine Arts, University of New South Wales.
Founded by artist Chi Da Kim, AFY included 32 members representing more than 20 countries, creating a diverse and international creative environment.
That year, the group held two exhibitions in Sydney. The first, All For You, took place at Global Gallery in Surry Hills in July 2011. The second exhibition, Transcendency, was held at the Arthouse Hotel in Sydney CBD.
These exhibitions marked an important stage in my early exhibition practice in Australia and my engagement with the local contemporary art community.
My journey with oil painting began in year 7, when I was studying at the State Secondary Art School in Kyiv, Ukraine — a highly selective school that required passing three entrance exams in painting, drawing, and composition. It was there that we transitioned from watercolours and gouache to the timeless medium of oils. I’ve always loved this classical medium. Oils have a long and rich tradition in fine art, and I’ve admired their depth, luminosity, and the way colours blend so seamlessly on the canvas. Working with oils teaches patience and reflection — they dry slowly, giving time to build layers with care and intention. I feel incredibly fortunate to have received proper academic training in the classical use of oils, alongside in-depth knowledge of anatomy, linear perspective, perception principles, and art history. That foundation continues to shape how I see and create today, allowing me to appreciate not only the technique but also the discipline and history behind every brushstroke.
I’m back in the studio, back to normality, and ready to continue sharing what I love most — my knowledge of art, different techniques and practical skills that can open up new possibilities for your own creativity. This October, I’m offering two very different workshops, both suitable for all levels and for adults and young people aged 12+. Come and spend a few hours making art, learning a new technique and getting your hands back to the brush. I look forward to seeing you in the studio! 🇺🇦 Petrykivka: Mastering the One-Stroke Technique Discover the beautiful Ukrainian folk painting style of Petrykivka. In this workshop, you’ll learn about the history of Petrykivka and how flowers, leaves and berries are built through different brushstrokes. You’ll also learn how to load two colours onto one brush and control its movement to create variations of colour, shape and tone. This is particularly valuable for artists and beginners because it gives you a chance to really understand your brush as a tool — how its shape and size affect the mark, how to control pressure and movement, and how to master the stroke of your brush. Illusion of Distance: The Tricks of Perspective
