The founder of Art Classes, an artist and a teacher. Nataliya Balandyuk
My name is Nataliia Balandyuk. I’m an artist, art teacher and founder of Art Classes. I graduated from Lviv National Academy of Arts, where I specialised in the conservation and restoration of easel and monumental art. I’ve been teaching children and adults for over 14 years.
I founded Art Classes in Kyiv in 2015. After moving to the UK, I began growing the studio in London. Today, we’re a team of art teachers offering classes in Kyiv and London, as well as online lessons for students around the world.
For me, the most valuable part of an art education is learning to think freely. I don’t expect every student to become an artist. What matters to me is helping them notice details, see harmony, approach challenges with an open mind and trust their own ideas. I want them to develop the knowledge and skills to bring those ideas to life, with the freedom to explore their creativity.
I once described my calling as giving people a little more love — helping them open up, recognising their best qualities, both personal and creative, and encouraging them to let those qualities shine. That care is at the heart of how I’m developing Art Classes: an art school with strong professional foundations and a warm, thoughtful approach to every student and teacher.
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 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
Monumental artist Mariia Dotsenko
My name is Maria. My interest in exploring different creative paths led me to the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture.
There, I trained as a graphic artist, studying traditional drawing and painting, graphic techniques and digital drawing tools. I later continued my studies in Art History and Theory at master’s level.
I worked as a researcher at several museums, contributing to exhibitions and other museum projects. I also worked at Rustem Skibin’s ceramics studio, painting decorative plates and vases.
Throughout my studies and career, I continued teaching. I’m always developing my skills, exploring new techniques and finding fresh approaches to my creative work.
My motto is: “Try something new to rediscover what you’ve known all along.” For me, creativity is a source of inspiration and energy.
A teacher, an artist Anastasia
My name is Anastasia, and I’m from Odesa. I have a bachelor’s degree from Odesa State Academy of Civil Engineering and Architecture. I’m currently studying at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, specialising in graphic arts.
I’ve been teaching art for three years. I work with oils, acrylics, watercolours and gouache, as well as a range of drawing and printmaking techniques.
In my classes and workshops, I encourage students to enjoy the creative process and discover how regular practice helps their artistic skills grow. I also remind them that it’s absolutely fine to make mistakes — they’re a natural and valuable part of learning.
A teacher, an artist Sofia Uspenska
My name is Sofia, and I was born in Odesa. I graduated from the M. B. Grekov Odesa Art College, where I studied painting. I’m currently studying at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, specialising in easel and monumental painting.
I mainly work with oils and acrylics. My work builds on traditional drawing and painting skills while exploring and developing my own artistic style.
As a teacher, I take an individual approach to each student, explaining techniques clearly and making them accessible. Whether you’d like to bring your own creative idea to life or build a strong foundation in drawing and painting, I’m here to help.
I believe art classes should be enjoyable and inspire you to keep learning and developing your skills.
I’d love you to join me as we bring creative ideas to life and grow as artists!
A teacher, an artist Olena
My name is Olena, and I’m an artist and art teacher from Kyiv.
I studied at Kyiv Children’s Art School No. 5 and in the fine art department at the college of Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture. I also studied art and design at Loughborough University in the UK and attended studio classes and private lessons with artists Dennis Spicer and Joe McGillivray. I’m currently studying painting at the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture.
I offer individual and group classes for children and adults, as well as helping students prepare for entry to art schools and colleges. Alongside my art practice, I also work as a professional photographer.
I teach painting, drawing, composition, graphic arts, photography and the basics of sculpture. I help students build a strong foundation in traditional art skills while developing their own creative vision. I tailor my lessons to each student’s level, goals and interests.
I teach in both Ukrainian and English.
A teacher, an artist Mariia Hordiiuk
My name is Maria, and I’ve been teaching art for four years.
I trained at Bila Tserkva Art School and graduated from the National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture, specialising in monumental painting.
I work with oils, acrylics and watercolours. I teach traditional drawing skills, graphic techniques, decorative arts and crafts, and hand-building with clay.
My aim is to help students develop their practical skills and understanding of art, discover their own creative direction and build an individual artistic style.
A teacher, an artist Sophia Kovalyk
My name is Sofia. I started attending an art studio when I was five and later earned a bachelor’s degree in design from Kyiv National University of Construction and Architecture.
I’ve been teaching at Art Classes since October 2023 and have also been offering online lessons since May 2024. I work with children aged six and above, as well as adults, tailoring lessons to each student’s experience, interests and creative goals.
I teach painting, drawing, graphic arts and digital art. My approach to digital art builds on traditional art skills, including an understanding of shape, form, composition and space.
In my online lessons, I demonstrate the whole process on a graphics tablet, from the initial sketch to the finished artwork in colour. When teaching with traditional materials, I draw or paint alongside the student, explaining the techniques and principles step by step.