Winter joy. Painting by Finnish watercolor artist Minna Laukkanen

Finnish watercolor artist Minna Laukkanen creates paintings that immerse the viewer into the world of childhood. With the expectation of magic and the most favorite holiday of all children and adults – Christmas. It’s amazing how the artist herself has kept children’s outlook on life. Born 23 January 1964 in Posiolla, Minna Laukkanen (maiden name Immonen) graduated from Lapland Art School (1980), Liminka Art School (1981), and Artisanal School in 1982. Unfortunately, there is not much information about the artist on her website, and that’s all what I have found. According to the artist, she spent her childhood in Rovaniemi, then moved to Oulunsaloon. Minna Laukkanen Immonen – married to Lauri Laukkanen and they have 7 children; Topi, Emma, Hannes, Severi, Fanni, Amanda and Lydia. Besides, she has three grandchildren – Aaron, Edvin and Aida. The family also have a favorite pet dog called Senni (Lhasa Apso).
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First snow. Work by Japanese etching artist Tanaka Ryohei

Japanese etching artist Tanaka Ryohei
Traditionally, ancient art of etching has been the most important technique for prints. One of contemporary followers of the old masters technique is Japanese etching artist Tanaka Ryohei. In particular, he creates photo-realistic etchings of rural Japanese landscapes, deserted houses, and details of architecture. Noteworthy, no image of a human at all. According to great and unique artist Tanaka Ryohei, he does not invent places, and each print image he took from the trips.
Born in 1933 in Takatsuki City (Osaka Prefecture), Tanaka Ryohei is a talented Japanese artist. He began studying etching techniques quite late, at the age of thirty, taking lessons from Foruno Yoshio. And three years later Tanaka Ryohei began to exhibit with the Japanese Print Association, which member he became in 1973.
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Moonlight Landscape. Painting by Polish artist Justyna Kopania

Polish artist Justyna Kopania
The owner of incredible skill, Polish artist Justyna Kopania creates expressive and sweeping works devoted to the sea. She is able to maintain the transparency of the fog, the ease of sail, gentle rocking of the ship on the waves and even cries of seagulls. Her paintings are striking in their depth, volume and saturation. And the texture is so attractive that we even want to touch it. “Art is my refuge, life, poetry, music, delicious cigars and strong tea, it’s everywhere. My works reflect the world as I see it, all my senses, the people I meet and the love of nature, which I admire, and things that surround and affect me”, states the Polish artist Justyna Kopania.
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Moonlit Night in Bogolyubov. Oil on canvas. Painting by Russian artist Viktor Tormosov

Russian artist Viktor Tormosov
Born 2 November, 1953 in the village of Elizavetinskoye, Stavropol Territory, Tormosov has been painting since childhood. He graduated from Krasnodar Art College and then the Kharkov Art Institute. A member of art club “Colorit” (since 1989), Viktor Tormosov is the follower of the classic Russian school of painting. The artworks created by talented artist took part in regional and inter-regional art exhibitions. In addition, he had a solo exhibition in the Vladimir Exhibition Centre of Union of Artists of Russia. Viktor Tormosov is a member of the Vladimir branch of the Union of Artists of Russia. Paintings by Russian artist Tormosov are in museums of Suzdal, Vladimir, Moscow and in private collections.
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Peacock in the tree. Work by Ukrainian food artist Tamara Bondar – Petrikovka onion art

Petrikovka onion art
Ukrainian food artist Tamara Bondar is fond of folk painting, and in particular, Petrikovka folk art. Called after the name of the village Petrikovka (in Ukrainian – Petrikіvka), it is the birthplace of the national craft. Traditionally, the local people decorated with Petrikovka folk painting nearly all objects of interior – from kitchenware to textile and furniture. Once, Tamara had an idea to decorate dishes of festive table (herring, salads, etc.) in a spirit of Petrikovka painting. However, she used an onion as the main “tool” of decorating dishes, also added carrot and all edible plants. This food art, called Petrikovka onion art, in Ukrainian language sounds like “Tsibulyana Petrikіvka”.
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Self-portrait. Illustrator Morgan Davidson

22 year old artist illustrator Morgan Davidson has recently graduated from Ringling College with her BFA in illustration. Davidson is a traditional Illustrator focusing on conceptual portraiture, primarily drawn in colored pencil. She grew up in Southwest Florida and has always had a strong passion for drawing and an artistic career from a young age. The young, talented and beautiful American artist writes on her blog – “Through my years at Ringling I began to take my interest in nature and fashion and enthusiasm for portraiture and formed a body of work portrayed through vibrant color and rich detail. I aspire to build a career as a freelance artist, helping companies and individuals make their creative ideas come to life”.
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Crow in a tree. Painting by Russian artist Elina Forget-me-not

Russian artist Elina Forget-me-not
Born in the Estonian city of Tallin, Elina, known as “Forget-me-not”, is an icon painter and restorer. According to her biography, she graduated from two schools of art. First, in 2003, from the College of Applied Arts at the Estonian Academy of Arts. Second, in 2009 with honors from St. Petersburg State Art and Industry Academy named after A.L. Stieglitz (former “Mukhina Academy”). When Elina was a student of Department of Painting and Restoration at the Faculty of monumental art St. Petersburg Academy, she began working in the State Russian Museum. Meanwhile, her teacher was M.D. Uryupina. Besides, for five years, every summer she practiced in the Yaroslavl Museum-Preserve restoring icons. In addition to restoring works she gilded wood carvings, and polychrome wooden sculpture. The artist is now living in Borisovo, Moscow region.
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