Witnessing Art

I HAVE ALWAYS BELIEVED that art is not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about capturing a moment, an emotion, a dialogue with life itself. This is the essence of what I do - something I’ve always considered to be a living, breathing conversation between me, the canvas, and the world around me.

“Luxury Live Painting” didn’t come about as a grand plan. It started naturally, as an evolution of how I view my relationship with art. I asked myself: Why not make this dialogue visible to others, right in the moment it happens? Why not let people witness the very process of creation - the way a blank canvas slowly transforms into a visual story over the course of an evening? For me, there is nothing more authentic, more immediate than that.

When I paint live, it’s not just about the strokes I make. It’s about the energy in the room - the laughter, the conversation, the environment - all of these things come together and influence the piece. Guests aren’t just watching art being created; they’re witnessing the emotions, the spontaneity of the moment. The result is always unique, something that stays with them forever.

I think that’s what people value most in my art: its uniqueness. Every painting I create is truly one of a kind. I don’t repeat myself. Ever. The light, the atmosphere, the energy - everything around me changes from one moment to the next. It’s what makes my work a true reflection of time, place, and people. When collectors buy my pieces, it’s not just about owning a beautiful painting; it’s about owning a memory, a tangible piece of that moment. My works now reside in private collections across Monaco, Paris, London, New York, Buenos Aires, Zurich, Stockholm, Brussels, Moscow, and more. What makes each of them special isn’t just the image - it’s the personal connection the viewer has with the artwork. It’s a memory immortalized on canvas, something uniquely their own.

While I’ve gained a reputation for my live performances, my style isn’t limited to that. I’ve always been drawn to the world of luxury, elegance, and speed. It’s why I gravitated toward creating hyper-realistic paintings of iconic automobiles, yachts, and airplanes.

These vehicles aren’t just machines; they are symbols of ambition, of dreams, of precision.

My work captures that essence in the smallest details - down to every gleaming surface and glint of light. I don’t just paint cars; I immortalize their legacy. But these paintings are more than depictions of luxury. They are precision-engineered works of art. Every piece I create is crafted with care, framed in premium baguettes, so that it becomes a lasting, timeless object, not just a decorative item. For my collectors, these pieces have become icons - symbols of achievement and dreams fulfilled. It was an immense honor, for instance, when H.S.H. Prince Albert II of Monaco signed my painting of the Ferrari F40 at Top Marques Monaco. That moment felt powerful- it felt like a connection between art, heritage, and Monaco’s spirit.

Another side of my work is my dedication to preserving Monaco’s heritage. I’ve been developing a collection called “Monaco Retro”, which is very close to my heart. It celebrates the history of this Principality—its heritage, its culture, its essence. Through this collection, I explore iconic moments in Monaco’s history, like the Grand Prix Monaco of 1932 or the beauty of Le Rocher. Some of the pieces, like Portrait of Juan Manuel Fangio and Yacht Princess Alice, explore the intersection of art and motorsport. I’ve had the privilege of meeting people who are part of this history, including Rubén Fangio, who personally signed limited editions of my prints from this collection. That was an emotional moment for me. It’s not just about the art; it’s about connecting to something larger, something deeply historical.

FERRARI F40, 2025, SIGNED BY H.S.H. PRINCE ALBERT II OF MONACO; OIL ON CANVAS 22 X 16 CM; PRIVATE COLLECTION; NOT FOR SALE

If I trace back my roots, my background in architecture played a significant role in how I approach painting. Architecture gave me a sense of structure, balance, and harmony—qualities that are essential in any art form. But painting gave me something that architecture couldn’t: freedom, emotion, and expression. These two forces came together to create my unique voice as an artist. Thirteen years ago, I made the decision to dedicate myself fully to this voice. Since then, painting has not just been my work; it’s been my way of living, of experiencing life in its fullest.

Over the years, there have been many moments that have stayed with me—milestones that have shaped my journey. Exhibiting at places like the Yacht Club de Monaco and Espace 22 were particularly special. And last year, presenting a personal exhibition at Monte-Carlo Bay felt especially meaningful. These aren’t just events—they are moments that mark my evolution as an artist. One of the proudest moments of my career was when a piece of mine was sold at an auction organized by Accademia Fine Art Monaco Auction House. It was a humbling recognition of my artistic journey, and it meant a great deal to me to be mentioned in Gazette Drouot. I’ve been fortunate to showcase my works at world-class events, including Top Marques Monaco, Salon International Monaco–Japon, and Art Shopping at the Carrousel du Louvre in Paris. Another highlight for me has been the annual Saint-Jean-Cap-Ferrat Prestige exhibition, dedicated to iconic cars. Presenting my hyper-realistic automotive paintings in this setting - surrounded by legendary automobiles and passionate collectors - felt like a natural extension of my artistic journey.

MONTE-CARLO, GRAND PRIX 1932; OIL ON CANVAS 90 X 70 CM

It was an opportunity to celebrate the timeless beauty of classic and modern vehicles, and to share my vision of them as true works of art. But what stands out to me more than anything is the ability to connect with my audience - whether through a live painting event for the company Comscore from New York, which took place in Cannes, or through the upcoming SALON 2025, organized by the National Committee of AIAP UNESCO Monaco, which celebrates its 70th anniversary this year under the High Patronage of H.S.H. Prince Albert. Each of these steps is part of a larger journey, and I am forever grateful for every opportunity that comes my way.

 YACHT, 2021, HORIZONS OF LIGHTNESS; OIL ON CANVAS 100 X 60 CM; ONLY ONE ORIGINAL EXISTS - NO REPRODUCTIONS; PRIVATE COLLECTION - AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Art is a reflection of the world around us, and it’s important for me to use my work to advocate for causes I believe in. In June 2025, I was invited to participate in a private lionfish dinner organized by the Elafonisos Eco Association to raise awareness about the Mediterranean Sea. For that occasion, I created a piece called Lion Fish - a visual message that reminds us of the fragility of nature. Art is a powerful tool to speak for the environment, and I want my paintings to echo not just the beauty of our world, but also its vulnerabilities.

LION FISH, 2025, HORIZONS OF LIGHTNESS. FRAMED. OIL ON CANVAS 60 X 80 CM; ONLY ONE ORIGINAL EXISTS; NO REPRODUCTIONS; PRIVATE COLLECTION; AVAILABLE ON REQUEST

Looking ahead, I have a simple yet ambitious dream: I want my paintings to be recognized globally - not just as art, but as emotional experiences that endure. Luxury Live Painting is my way of giving people something they can hold onto forever, something that stays with them long after the event is over. I believe that art has the power to change lives. It can create lasting memories, spark conversation, and foster a deep connection between artist and viewer. For me, every painting I create is more than just a brushstroke on canvas - it’s a living emotion. A memory that, hopefully, stays with those who experience it for a lifetime.

By Elena Papernaya

Contributor