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. 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.

In my Altered Realism series, 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.

Lately, however, I have found myself returning to my deep passion for capturing the splendour of nature. My recent series of realistic landscape, waterscape, and seascape paintings are a testament to this love. Each piece reflects my commitment to portraying the beauty and majesty of the natural world with intricate detail and emotional depth. Whether it’s the serenity of a quiet forest and its wildlife, the powerful movement of the ocean, or the peaceful reflection of a still lake, these works are my way of honouring nature’s timeless allure and complexity.

I exhibit my works throughout the year in selected community and commercial galleries, most notably at the Santini Gallery and Foyer Gallery. As an active member of several art organizations in the Ottawa area, I also exhibit occasionally at the Plant Recreation Centre, Shenkman Arts Centre, Zolas Restaurant, recreation complexes, and public libraries, as well as in other Ottawa area venues and events. 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.

Each piece I create holds a narrative, weaving emotions, experiences, and meaning into its very fabric. Whether it’s a celebration of the human spirit—capturing resilience, passion, and connection—or a depiction of nature and its splendours—showcasing its vibrant beauty, tranquil moments, its wildlife, and untamed power—my art serves as a visual storybook. Through every stroke of color, texture, and form, I aim to inspire reflection, evoke emotions, and invite viewers into a shared journey of discovery and appreciation for the world around us.

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.

Awards

People’s Choice Award for ‘Mermaid Bliss‘ and ‘Timeless Beauty‘, West Carleton Arts Society’s Spring Fling, 2025
Best in Show Award for ‘Our Spot’, 40th Annual Holiday Fundraising Exhibit, Ottawa School of Art, 2024
1st Place Award, Works on Paper for ‘Thinking Cap’, Arteast Ottawa’s Juried Awards Exhibition, 2023
Honourable Mention for ‘Holding On To The Dream‘, West Carleton Arts Society’s Spring Fling, 2023
3rd Place Award, Works on Paper for ‘Morning Bath at the Lake’, Arteast Ottawa’s Juried Awards Exhibition, 2018
1st Award for Excellence, Judges’ Choice Award, 1st Members’ Choice Award for ‘Alter Ego’ at Nepean Fine Arts League’s Annual Exhibition, 2018
3rd Members’ Choice Award for ‘Aromatherapy’ at Nepean Fine Arts League’s Annual Awards Exhibition, 2017
Special Merit Award for ‘Homeward Bound’ at Light Space & Time’s ‘Seasons’ international online competition, 2017
1st Prize in Works on Paper for ‘Dripping’ at Arteast Ottawa’s Juried Awards Exhibition, 2015
Special Merit Award for ‘Old Iraqi Man’ at Light Space & Time’s Open Art international online competition, 2014
3rd Prize in Works on Paper for ‘Deep-Rooted Bittersweet Memories (Self-Portrait)’, Arteast’s Juried Awards Exhibition, 2014
1st Award of Excellence in Works on Paper for ‘Dripping’, Nepean Fine Arts League’s Members’ Night Exhibition, 2014
3rd Prize in Works on Paper for ‘Angie’, Ottawa Art Association’s Members’ Choice Awards, 2013
3rd Prize in Works on Paper for ‘My Childhood Picture’, Arteast’s Juried Awards Exhibition, 2013
Director’s Choice Award for ‘Still looking ahead’, Infinity Gallery’s Figurative Art Expo international online exhibition, 2013
Honourable Mention and 2nd Members’ Choice Awards for ‘Young and old’, Nepean Fine Arts League’s Members’ Night Exhibition, 2013

Gallery Representation

Santini Gallery
422 1/2 Preston Street
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Foyer Gallery
1701 Woodroffe Avenue
Ottawa, Ontario, Canada

Art Organization Affiliations

Foyer Gallery, Publicity Coordinator and Webmaster
West Carleton Arts Society, Social Media Lead
Arteast Ottawa, Member
Ottawa School of Art, Member
Art Lending of Ottawa, Website Admin

Online Shop

To purchase a currently available artwork, please visit my Shop. If you are interested in an artwork that has not been sold but is not in my shop, please contact me. To commission an artwork, please visit Commissions.

A selection of my works and prints can also be purchased on these art marketplaces: