The founder of Art Classes, an artist and a teacher. Nataliya Balandyuk
I've concluded that the most important thing art schools provide is a mindset, an ability to probe deeper: what shape does this object genuinely have? What specific tint is in today's sky? And how does this face stand out from the crowd?! In other words, art encourages youngsters to ask a lot of questions, first about the apparent reality, and then about their own thoughts. It helps them to analyze exactly what they are thinking about.
In the future, such sensitivity nurtures invaluable human qualities, such as empathy and aesthetic sense, where you simply feel how to act, present, and improve.
Monumental artist Yulia Kyrychenko
I was born in 1996 in Myronivka, Kyiv region. Between 2013 and 2017, I attended the Kyiv State Institute of Decorative and Applied Art and Design, named after M. Boychuk, where I specialised in monumental decorative art. Subsequently, from 2017 to 2019, I pursued a master's degree at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, focusing on sacred and church painting in the studio named after M.A. Storozhenko. I am proud to have graduated with honours and to have been awarded the Golden Medal of the Academy of Arts of Ukraine. Additionally, I participated in the Paris Art Fair 2018, where my stained glass installation titled "Post-punk. Exit" was featured. Beyond my artistic pursuits, I also contribute as a volunteer at the Museum of Prominent Figures of Ukrainian Culture, engaging in exhibition activities. Furthermore, my creative works are proudly housed in private collections in Canada, Lithuania, France, and Poland.
I am proficient in various decorative and monumental techniques such as stained glass, mosaic, fresco, sgraffito, and the hot enamel technique. However, stained glass holds a special place in my heart as my favourite technique because it combines materiality, texture, and vibrant colour combinations. For me, avant-gardism and naturalness serve as the main sources of inspiration. I find beauty in the imperfections of nature, believing that its disharmony is what makes it truly beautiful. I aim to convey to my students the sense of beauty found in disharmony, emphasising the uniqueness and significance of each element of nature.
In the words of my favourite artist, Henri Matisse, "Happy is the one who can sing with a pure and open soul... You must be able to find joy in everything: in the sky, in trees, in flowers. Flowers bloom everywhere for those who only seek to see them."
A teacher, an artist Oleksiy Omelchenko
I was born in 1993 in Dnipro. I studied at the Dnipro Theatre and Art College, specialising in the arts. I obtained higher artistic education at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, specialising in studio painting under the guidance of V. Gurin in Kyiv. Currently, I am pursuing further studies at the Kyiv State Academy of Decorative Applied Arts and Design, named after Mykhailo Boychuk, focusing on Monumental-Decorative and Sacred Art. Since 2011, I have been actively involved in exhibition activities and regularly participate in nationwide exhibitions organised by the National Union of Artists of Ukraine. With over 5 years of teaching experience, I offer instruction in various art forms, including oil and watercolour painting, drawing, composition, graphics, and fashion illustration. As a teacher, my aim extends beyond merely imparting knowledge; I strive to inspire my students. I believe in nurturing their artistic potential and helping them discover the art within themselves. I look forward to meeting you at Art Classes!
A teacher, an artist Evgenia Machkovska
I was born in 1999 in Dnipro. After graduating from the Dnipropetrovsk Theatre and Art College in 2018, I pursued further studies at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (NAFAA).
Throughout my artistic journey, I have actively participated in exhibitions, showcasing my paintings in various events organised by the Artists' Association in Dnipro, including exhibitions such as "Colours of Dnipro," "From Calling to Profession," and "Sicheslavsky Plenary." Additionally, I had the opportunity to exhibit my work at an event hosted by the Kyiv Artists' Association for Artist's Day in 2018. Moreover, I regularly contribute to exhibitions organised by NAFAA. Notably, I was honoured to participate in the All-Ukrainian Silver Easel Competition in 2017 and Silver Easel 2017 II.
Art, in all its forms, holds a special place in my life. It is an integral part of my being, and I continually strive to nurture my creativity. I firmly believe that art has the power to inspire and enrich life, and I am passionate about sharing its beauty with others.
A teacher, an artist Nika Shumeiko
I was born in 2001 in Reshetylivka, Poltava region. In 2022, I attained a bachelor's degree in "Monumental-Decorative and Sacred Art" specialization at the Kyiv State Institute of Decorative and Applied Art and Design named after M. Boychuk and continued my studies in this direction for a master's degree.
I began my exhibition activity in 2019, actively participating in nationwide exhibitions of the National Union of Artists of Ukraine and the National Union of Folk Art Masters. In 2022, I was awarded the Presidential Scholarship as a master of paper cutting.
Experimenting is the foundation of my artistic practice. I am constantly in search of ways to reflect my internal and visual contexts. I enjoy using various techniques and materials. I believe that the most important thing is to confidently move forward and not be afraid of mistakes. Because art is about love and creative freedom, it's not us who fear paint and a blank canvas, but they tremble with our determination.
A teacher, an artist Iryna Vasyliuk
I'm Irina, hailing from Starokonstantyniv. After graduating from the local Art School, I embarked on further studies at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, specialising in studio and monumental painting under the mentorship of S.S. Skrypitsyn. For the past year, I've been sharing my passion for painting through both online and offline classes. We explore a variety of mediums, including oil, watercolour, and gouache, and delve into drawing using different graphic materials. I aim to create engaging lessons, nurture my students' ideas, and provide them with guidance. Continual self-improvement is key, and I'm dedicated to helping my students enhance their artistic abilities!
I utilize various media in my artistic practice, such as collages, graphics, painting, video, and more. As a teacher, I believe that in art, the ability to think independently and not be afraid to generate one's own ideas is paramount, as it forms the foundation for the development of a creative personality