Galina Milton

About Galina

I have dedicated the last 25 years of my life to painting, and for the past seventeen years, I’ve had the privilege of sharing my passion through teaching, both privately and in college settings. There’s something profoundly inspiring about a blank canvas—it holds the promise of a world waiting to be created, and I strive to instill this belief in my students as well.

Born in Lugansk, Ukraine, during the challenging times of the Soviet Union, my path into the arts was not conventional. Lacking formal art education, I found solace and richness in Russian Art History during my studies at the University of Ukraine. Growing up in an artistic family, with my grandfather as a sound sculptor, it wasn’t until later in life that I truly discovered my passion for art.

In the fall of 2004, I took a significant step in my journey by enrolling in the Academy of Art University in San Francisco to pursue my Master’s degree. A transformative summer in 2006 at the esteemed Repin Academy in Saint Petersburg, Russia was a turning point for me, where I had the honor of studying under the guidance of Ivan Vituk and Konstantin Grachev. Being surrounded by the masterpieces within the Academy’s Museum and learning from talented Russian teachers broadened my understanding and appreciation of art in ways I never anticipated. I graduated with my Master’s in Fine Art from the Academy of Art in San Francisco, focusing on capturing the essence of people, mostly through studies from life.

Today, my artistic style blends impressionism and realism, and I recognize that it may continue to evolve. Nevertheless, I hold steadfast to the fundamental principles of painting—drawing, composition, values, temperature, light in color, and edges—as they will always be my guiding stars. My website beautifully chronicles this heartfelt journey, showcasing the images that reflect my growth and experiences.www.galinamilton.com.