BIO

I am a self-taught artist with Transylvanian roots living in Ottawa, the beautiful capital of Canada. Though I always had an interest in art, my journey took a different path as I earned a degree in electrical engineering and pursued a career in Information Technology at the City of Ottawa. This left little room for artistic pursuits. My eye-opening moment was at the age of 50, when I realized life was too short to let my my dreams fade away. So, I picked up a pencil and began drawing. Within a year, I started exhibiting my figurative pencil drawings, and since then, I have won several awards for my realistic portraits in both local and international art exhibitions.

My artistic journey is a progression through various mediums, each with its unique challenges and rewards. You can read more about that in my blog post My Artistic Journey.

My greatest passion lies in the portraying of the human form. There’s something about the way the body moves and the emotions it can convey that continues to fascinate me. Whether through a stroke of a brush or a simple pencil line, I find myself drawn to exploring these nuances and complexities.   I connect with my subject on a deep level, trying to convey their essence and personality by observing every detail, every line, every shade. It truly is a profound and rewarding experience to create a representation of someone’s essence, and the connection I feel with the figure is something that stays with me long after the artwork is finished.

Working in series, which is a collection of similar works, allows me a deep exploration of a specific theme or concept, enabling me to delve into the nuances and possibilities within that framework. In 2023, I created my Waterworks series, a collection of water-themed oil paintings.  In these works, I aimed to evoke a sense of energy and movement surrounding the main figure immersed in water or underwater, while trying to depict the fluid translucency of the water itself using techniques ranging from impressionism to hyperrealism. Water-themed figurative works have an enduring appeal for me that continue to captivate me, and hopefully I can convey this feeling and emotion to the viewer.

More recently, I started a new series called Altered Realism. By blending traditional black and white portraiture with surreal and abstract elements, I aim to push the boundaries of artistic expression and to invite viewers to question their own perceptions of reality. The juxtaposition of classic beauty with surreal elements hopefully creates a captivating and thought-provoking experience for the audience, allowing them to explore my new dimensions of creativity and interpretation.

In addition to creating art, I am passionate about sharing my journey and insights with fellow artists. Through my Aradieri Digital Marketing blog, I offer tips and ideas on leveraging social media and digital marketing to promote and sell art. By fostering a supportive community, I hope to inspire others to pursue their artistic dreams and navigate the complexities of the modern art world.

As an active member of several art organizations in the Ottawa area, I exhibit throughout the year in selected community and commercial galleries, most notably at the Foyer Gallery, Carleton Place Gallery, and Santini Gallery. Visit the Exhibits page for a list of my current and upcoming exhibits.

I am eternally grateful that my numerous sold works and commissions have found their forever home throughout North America, Europe, and Asia.

Artist Statement

In my works, I draw inspiration from the natural world, human experiences, and the interplay of light and shadow, aiming to evoke a profound emotional response in the viewer.

My artistic process is deeply introspective and intuitive. I begin each piece with a loose concept or emotion, allowing the work to evolve organically. This fluid approach ensures that my art remains a genuine reflection of my inner world, a visual diary that speaks to universal themes of beauty, struggle, and transcendence.

Art, for me, is not merely a profession but a way of life. It is a means of connecting with others, exploring the depths of my soul, and contributing to the rich tapestry of human expression.

I invite you to join me on this journey, to experience the world through my eyes, and to find your own stories within the colours and forms of my work.