About me

Lena Vanurina
Nicosia, Cyprus

My name is Lena Vanurina, and I am an artist working primarily with oil painting. Oil is my greatest passion. I love how slowly it dries, how its surface shines, and how it allows me to create the finest glazes and textured brushstrokes. The scent of oil paints and thinners always takes me back to my childhood — it reminds me of the industrial environments where I often spent time with my parents.

My journey began in the town of Sosnovy Bor, in the Leningrad region, where I spent five years studying at a classical art school. To this day, I am amazed by the high standard of that education. Our teachers were all very different: an elegant lady who lectured on art history, a stately sculptor with the rich voice of a natural actor, and a cheerful master of painting and graphic arts. Yet each of them knew their craft flawlessly and laid a powerful foundation for my future creative work.

For a long time, I viewed painting as a hobby, but a few years ago I realized it was more than just a way to spend my free time. It is my source of meaning and strength — my way of processing the world through myself and speaking to it.

I am infinitely grateful to the Bo & Tselepi art studio in Nicosia for this revelation. It all started by chance: my daughter was taking classes there, and I had nothing to do while waiting for her. I asked if I could paint a little while I waited, and they said yes. Three years have passed since then. I return to the studio every single week, and it is the happiest time of my week — a chance to work peacefully on my own ideas, observe the growth of other artists, and share experiences and impressions.

In recent years, I have allowed art to take a prominent place in my life. My first exhibitions, the first artworks finding their homes — each step convinced me that I was on the right path. This website marks a new chapter: here, I gather my paintings and share the stories behind them.

It would bring me great joy if my work resonates within your soul. I am always open to conversation — whether you have questions about the paintings, collaboration proposals, or simply a desire to share your impressions. Thank you for stopping by!