About Me
My background
Hi, I'm Karolina Zakharova.
I was born and raised in Akademgorodok, Novosibirsk—a unique place where science and art intersect. This environment shaped how I see the world: precise yet imaginative, rooted in observation, and open to quiet beauty.
Before fully committing to the arts, I spent two years studying architecture at the Novosibirsk Academy of Architecture. That early training taught me discipline, structure, and an appreciation for form—elements that still influence my compositions today. I later earned my Bachelor's degree in Fine Arts from the Novosibirsk Institute of Art (NSPU), where I shifted fully into painting and visual storytelling.
My experience
I worked for several years as a game artist in the mobile and computer games industry, where I honed my design skills and learned to tell stories visually in fast-moving, digital formats. This experience gave me a strong foundation in composition, mood, and creative direction.
In recent years, I transitioned fully into fine art and classical oil painting. I graduated from the Grand Central Atelier in New York, where I trained in traditional techniques, figure drawing, and the language of light.
My work has been shown at Spectrum Miami, and I received an Honorable Mention in the Fall Member Show of the Maryland Federation of Art in 2024. And this year (2025) I was also honored as the Public Artist Nocturne Winner at Paint Annapolis.
My vision
I create classical oil paintings with a focus on mood, subtle emotion, and atmosphere. My inspiration often comes from quiet moments—those found in nature, stillness, or human gestures that feel timeless. Horseback riding and gardening are a big part of my life; they offer space for reflection and a slower rhythm that finds its way into my work.
Through Korolek Art, I hope to share work that invites calm, curiosity, and connection. Each piece is an invitation to pause and feel—stories told softly through paint.