Aurum Art Centre in Odessa, Ukraine: My Artistic Journey

My artistic journey truly began, thanks to the right teachers at the right time. Since childhood, I’ve always dreamed of becoming an artist and attending art school. As a child, I envied the other kids who went to art clubs, not fully understanding the financial challenges my family faced. Naturally, my dream of becoming an artist was not widely supported by the adults around me.

In 2014, when the russian occupation began, my mother and I fled to Canada. Becoming a teenage immigrant felt like a setback to my dream. I worked part-time in a local grocery store from the age of 14 to support myself and save for my aspirations. Some people overwhelmed me with unsolicited advice, while others laughed at the idea of me returning to Ukraine to pursue an art education. Despite how impossible my dream seemed, my mother always encouraged me to follow my heart, and so I did.

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Aurum Art Centre: A New Beginning

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In 2019, I enrolled at the Aurum Art Centre in Odessa, and I am proud to say that I worked hard to pay for my education. I absorbed everything I could like a sponge. The teachers I met along the way became my greatest support and guidance as I embarked on my art career. After mastering the basics of sketching, academic drawing, color theory, and more, I discovered my true passion: oil painting.

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The Art of Oil Painting at Aurum Art Centre

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Oil painting requires not only a solid foundation in drawing but also a deep understanding of mixing mediums. Each step in creating the perfect palette—choosing pigments, thinning oils, and varnishing—takes a lifetime to master. There’s no limit to how an artist can experiment with different techniques, and every painting has its own unique timeline for completion. Over time, the vibrant pigments in oil paintings transform, adding layers of depth and value to the artwork.

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Mastering Oil Painting Techniques

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Oil painting techniques developed by the old masters are renowned for their precision and depth. One classic method is glazing, where thin, transparent layers of paint are applied over dry layers to create luminosity and rich color. Another technique, sfumato, famously used by Leonardo da Vinci, involves blending colors and tones seamlessly to create soft transitions and a realistic, dreamlike effect. Chiaroscuro, the dramatic contrast between light and dark, adds depth and intensity to a piece. These methods, combined with careful layering and brushwork, allowed artists to achieve stunning realism and intricate detail.

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Modern Twist: Tradition Meets Innovation

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By combining traditional techniques with modern ideas, oil painting becomes a powerful fusion of the old and the new. Mastering classical methods like glazing, sfumato, and chiaroscuro helps create the rich textures and depth that have defined masterpieces for centuries. However, incorporating contemporary concepts—such as abstract compositions or experimental subject matter—brings fresh expression and individuality to the art. This blend of tradition and innovation allows artists to honor the timeless techniques of the past while pushing boundaries and reflecting the complexities of today’s world.

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Looking Ahead

One day, when the war ends, I hope to return to my art school in Ukraine and personally thank my teachers for their incredible skills and unwavering support. Their guidance has shaped not only my artistic path but also my resilience through the toughest of times.