Alla Melnichenko
Mozir, BELARUS
I was born live and work in southeastern Belarus, in a unique ancient town of Mozyr. I started drawing as a child. Then I studied in local arts school. In 1984, I graduated from Arts College in Minsk (capital of Belarus) and subsequently took master classes from one of the oldest and prominent artists of Belarus, Vladimir Mineiko, who taught me classical skills of portraying based on the legacy of pre-revolutionary Russian artistic movement of Peredvizhniki (realistic painting). I draw my inspiration from the breathtaking scenery of my homeland and make an emphasis on perfect drawing technique as a prerequisite for artistic excellence.
Having graduated from the Arts College I worked over 10 years as industrial designer in my home town.
In 1996, I was commissioned by local Bishop Peter to produce religious paintings and icons for local churches and this is my job today.
In addition, I paint images on birch bark using mixed media.
Generally, my images are inspired by the natural beauty of my native Belarus and spiritual dreams.
To me painting is much more than art – rather, it’s the driving force of my life, my uttermost enjoyment on this earth.
Feel free to make comments and share your experiences.
