BIO

In today’s art landscape, often dominated by conceptual and abstract movements, I represent a small but growing group of classically trained figurative and plein air artists. While this movement remains rare in Luxembourg, it is gaining strong momentum in many other countries.

My work focuses on capturing the stories of our time and place through painting - preserving both cultural narratives and traditional artistic skills. Although I primarily work in oil and watercolour, I’m not strictly bound by medium. What guides me is the subject matter: stories worth telling, moments worth preserving.

Like Piet Mondrian once said, an artist should paint where they live, allowing their environment to shape their art. This philosophy informs my approach. Through painting, I aim to build a deeper connection with Luxembourg - the city that welcomed me and has become my home. As a plein air artist, I’m still a bit of an oddity on its streets, often drawing curious glances and questions. But painting on location, from observation and within the life of the city, is the only way I know to capture the authentic spirit of everyday contemporary life - without sensationalising it or focusing on a single narrative. Like a quiet observer - a brush in hand - I document what I see.

In my technique, I draw on my roots as a Russian-born artist, carrying with me a tradition known for its technical rigour and its distinctive approach to realism. I’m particularly inspired by the Russian Impressionist movement, with its nuanced use of subtle greys to create vivid contrasts - rather than relying on pure, open colours. My eight years of living and painting in Singapore and Southeast Asia have also left their mark, bringing a brighter, more saturated palette to my work. Additionally, my background in architecture continues to influence my compositions, adding structure and a love for line that underpins much of what I do.

A deep love for the craft side of painting and desire to preserve the now again rising awareness and appreciation for the skilful techniques of the old masters, drives me to constantly perfect my approach and technique. After 10 years of balancing my roles as an artist and art educator with a career in architecture and design, I made the bold decision to become a full-time artist in 2022 - and I haven’t looked back since. Without a plan B, I’ve been fully committed to being a full time artist.

Honours and Awards

June 2025 - 1st Prize - Dublin Plein Air festival, Ireland, Dublin

June 2025, Artist’s Choice - Dublin Plein Air festival, Ireland, Dublin

June 2025, 2nd place - Quick Draw competition - Dublin Plein Air festival, Ireland, Dublin

July 2024, Artist’s Choice Award - Art In The Open plein air event, Ireland, Wexford

July 2024, Quick Draw sectional winner - Art in The Open plein air event, Ireland, Wexford

Publications

L’Essentiel Luxembourg, Wednesday 3 June 2025

Female Magazine Singapore, Jan-Feb 2024

“The World of Urban Sketching” by Stephanie Bower, book

Pratique des Arts 162. “Alena Kudriashova : mes carnets de vie”, p. 88, April-may 2022

Selected exhibitions, residencies and events

July 2025 - (Upcoming) Group exhibition, Art In The Open Plein Air festival, Ireland, Wexford.

June 2025 - Dublin Plein Air festival, Ireland, Dublin. Multiple awards winner

April 2025 - Group exhibition, Art’Lënster. Luxembourg, Junglingster, Centre Polyvalent Gaston Stein

Nov 2024 - Group exhibition, Chasing Light: Still Lives. Luxembourg city, Subtile Gallery

July 2024 - Group exhibition, Art In The Open Plein Air event. Ireland, Wexford. Artist’s Choice Award and Quick Draw prize winner. 

Mar 2024 - Solo exhibition, “Gratefully, Yours”. Singapore, Drawing ETC Gallery and creative space

Nov 2023-Jan 2024 - Art residence, PlayPan. Singapore, Peace Centre

Nov 2023 - Group Exhibition , “Strictly Singapore”, Singapore, Selegie Art House

2015 - Group Exhibition, “L’Art D'Ici et D’Ailleurs". Espace Saint-Mengold, Huy, Belgium. Artists from the Eastern Countries, second edition.

Works in Galleries

Rosslaire Gallery, Rosslaire, Co Wexford, Ireland

Subtile Gallery, Luxembourg city, Luxembourg

Education

2013 - Exhibition design and delivery, course, University of the Arts, London, Chelsea college of Arts and Design

2012-2013  - Graduate Diploma, Interior design. University of the Arts, London, Chelsea college of Arts and Design

2001-2007 - Kostroma State Agricultural Academy. Specialist Diploma in Architecture*

* Academic drawing and painting is an integral part of this 6-year program, comprising of 3-9 hours a week of academic drawing, painting and sculpture classes alongside of continuous manual project execution with ink and watercolour.

Selected continuous art education:

2025 - (Upcoming) September - October, 6 week intensive course in academic figure painting, France, instructor Tobias Hall

2025 - France, 1 week intensive in-person workshop with award winning artists Antonin Passermand and Anastasia Dukhanina (still life and portrait in oil)

2024 - one-off plein air oil painting workshops with various well established artists

2023-2024 - Classical Realism studio, Singapore, instructor Clayton Hudnall

2022-2023 - 1 year online education and mentorship with Thomas Schaller, watercolour

2010-2011 Matisse art school, Russia, Saint Petersburg - oil painting with V. Shraga

A small portion of my most resent work

Would you like to see the entire collection of over 300 paintings I currently have on hand or visit me in my studio?