Nikolay Mikushkin Syracuse, NY www.nikolaymikushkin.com   "I have always been driven and fascinated with nature. From looking and finding a place for my painting, to the rush of adrenaline when the weather would shift. I consider myself a 'plein air' landscape artist with my work unified from this special and original dialogue that I have with nature. Nature is constantly in our lives. It is the beginning of everything. Nature is what stimulates us toward the positive, even if we don't know it. I wish for my work to be a reminder that we should not forget nature, but cherish the moments that we might take for granted. "

"Osceola Lake" 22x28, Oil on Canvas (594)	"Yellow Bushes" 16x20, Oil on Canvas (599)	"Old Tree" 28x22, Oil on Canvas (618)
"Path to the Lake" 28x22, Oil on Canvas (626)	"Pan" 28x22, Oil on Canvas (640)	"Trouper's Farm" 24x18, Oil on Canvas (659)
"Bird House" 22x28, Oil on Canvas (660)	"Palm Tree" 28x22, Oil on Canvas (690)	"Polasek Museum" 18x24, Oil on Canvas (698)
"Small Pond" 28x22, Oil on Canvas (730)	"Osceola Lake" 18x24, Oil on Canvas (758)	"Dragonfly" 24x18, Oil on Canvas (759)

Background Information

I was growing up as an average boy in my home town of Kazakstan until my elementary teacher mentioned to my mother that I had a talent for drawing. After that point, my life constantly revolved around painting. While my peers had prom on their mind, I was on my way to the College of Fine Art in central Russia, which I completed two years later with a degree in Art Design. In addition I had acquired a number of exhibits.

Hungry for more, I followed my passion for the fine arts at the St. Petersburg Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture, named after Ilya Repin, concentrating on Russian Realism for the next four years. In 1996, my family and I took the opportunity to unite with family members in America. By moving to New York City, life was giving me new opportunities including becoming a scenic artist for United Scenic Artists Union, working for movies and shows.

Awards and Exhibitions

• 2011 - Best in Show, Adirondack Plein Air Festival
• 2011 - Limestone Art Gallery Exhibition, Syracuse NY
• 2010 - Saltanstoll Foundation for the Arts: Residency, Ithaca NY
• 2010 - Edgewood Gallery Solo Exhibition, Syracuse NY
• 2009 - Farham Unplugged: Rock the Arts Event, Oswego NY