Portraits With Yuriy
Meet The Artist:
Yuriy Totskiy
While architecture came to be an important part of Yuriy’s life, but his strong foundation in fine art has always been his passion. His formal education in fine art started at a young age, coming in the form of the European tradition of four years of intense training. That training was entirely focused on fine art; it included art history, methods, style and techniques. He applied that training as he continued his education in the School of Architecture, earning his degree in a discipline that allowed him to continue using his natural and now well-developed talent.
He traveled throughout Ukraine, Russia, Belarus, Pre-Baltic, Europe, Caucasus and Central Asia working in his profession while simultaneously studying the culture and tradition of diverse peoples; and as time permitted, employing his fine art talent.
Since moving to the United States in 1991, he continued to practice his profession as an architectural designer; but he never let his artist passion fade. He became a member of Columbus Artists’ Guild and Portrait Society of Atlanta whose members played an instrumental role in rekindling his passion for art and encouraging him to switch his priorities in favor of art.
Although not limiting his genre, Yuriy is by preference a portrait painter. He has the ability to capture not only an image in exact likeness, but one that reflects the subject’s character and being. As a father, he is very well aware of how quickly children change in appearance and the importance to capture that image to record those memories in a permanent way.
A portrait by Yuriy will include their very personality, the sparkle of happiness on their face or that glint of mischief that parents and family will cherish forever. In these portraits, Yuriy is unusually successful in capturing a moment, an expression, and a characteristic that is unique to his subjects.
The Painting Styles of Yuriy

Portraits
In Oil on Canvas
Portraits are Yuriy's specialty. He has enjoyed creating the realistic portrait of many people in his lifetime. Business Leaders, Political & Municipal Leaders, Everyday People, and even favorite pets and animals.

Watercolors, Pencil & Graphite Pencils
Various styles and types of portraits include watercolors, pencil, and graphic work with precision craftsmanship and creativity. The canvas of options are exceptional no matter which one you choose.

Paper Cut 3D, Architecture & Animals
Using unqiue materials Yuriy creates magical Paper Cut 3-D art, that mesmerizes you with each form and shape. His love of Architecture is captured in many visuals for the corporate world. Animals are fuzzy friends that easily warm the heart!
Testimonials
Julie Gristina
Over a decade ago, I commissioned two portraits by Yuriy and I continue to be so pleased by them. Yuriy was an absolute joy to work with; he made the process easy with his professionalism, kindness and genuine interest in his subjects. He is unfailingly polite and his background in architecture creates such precision and structure in his award-winning work. He quickly developed a rapport with both of the subjects, one a child and another an adult family member and because of this ability to connect with his subjects, their personality is captured so well in his work. I cannot recommend him enough. I look at the two paintings he did for me and appreciate his work anew daily. These paintings are invaluable to me and it means a lot that the artist himself is someone I admire and respect.
Julie Gristina
Jenny Arey:
Yuriy Totskiy is one of the most talented artists I’ve come across. He helped me surprise my husband for Christmas a few years back with a portrait of myself and my husband. He captured our personalities and the love that we hold for one another. What a great surprise it was. Later, he did amazing portraits of each of our girls! What treasures they all are!
Jenny Arey:
Hon. Teresa Tomlinson:
Yuriy’s portrait work is remarkable in its likeness, conveying a warmth and character that even a photograph cannot. The artistic significance and technical expertise he wove into the work caused unexpected but much appreciated acclaim for what was intended to be a private portrait. In addition, Yuriy is a delight to work with and to know. Yuriy has my highest recommendation.
Hon. Teresa Tomlinson:
Greg Curtis:
I initially went to Yuriy with an idea about a portrait of our children as a Mother's Day gift for my wife. During the initial consultation Yuriy showed me some examples of his work and the different media he works in. We discussed the composition and came up with a rough plan, which I needed a lot of help with! Yuriy visited our house on a couple of occasions to photograph our children in different settings for the portrait. He was great with the kids and very patient with me as I tried to decide how to move forward.
On his suggestion I told my wife about the plan so we could ensure the kids were dressed and posed how she would want them, turns out that was the best idea.
To say that we love the finished product is an understatement. It is an absolutely gorgeous painting, one that we will treasure for the rest of our lives and it will be passed down within the family.
Working with Yuriy was the first time I have done anything of this nature and it was a great experience from start to finish.
Should we ever look at doing another portrait of the family we know exactly who we will be working with!