Artist In Action

Galina Milton

Friday, September 26, 2025, from 9 am-12 pm

Located at:
Darkshot Coffee
In the lobby, 300 E. 2nd St., #101
Reno, NV 89501

About The Artist:
Galina V Milton, an evocative artist painting the pulsating rhythms of everyday life, began her journey in the city of Lugansk, Ukraine, during the golden era of the Soviet Union. Despite the lack of formal art education in her homeland, she was immersed in Russian Art History as part of her broader academic journey in History. This rich cultural backdrop laid the foundation for her artistic sensibilities.

Growing up in the culturally vibrant city of Lugansk, Galina spent significant periods of her childhood amid the artistic splendor of vacation destinations such as Saint Petersburg in Russia and Kiev in Ukraine. These early years were steeped in creativity, amplified by her grandfather, a sculptor, whose influence undoubtedly nudged her towards the arts. Although the exact moment she resolved to pursue art isn’t etched in memory, Galina recalls always having a sketchbook at hand. However, it was a transformative experience, viewing masterpieces by titans like Titian, Michelangelo, and the French Impressionists in Europe’s eminent museums, that cemented her decision to commit to oil painting as her primary medium.

Galina’s educational pursuit led her to the prestigious Master of Fine Arts program, specializing in Figurative Painting, from which she graduated in 2007. To further hone her skills, she attended numerous workshops across the Western United States, learning from celebrated artists such as Anthony Rider, David Laffel, Ray Roberts, Ned Mueller, Houlihan Liu, and Dan Gerhart. In 2006, she expanded her artistic horizons with a summer program at the Saint Petersburg Art Academy, delving deeper into the rich veins of Russian artistic tradition.

The world around Galina, with all its beauty, emotions, and colors, serves as the muse for her work. She is drawn to portraying people within their daily lives, capturing the subtle and profound moments that define them. Working primarily from photo references and sketches in her studio, Galina ensures the authenticity of her paintings by attending Life Drawing sessions. This commitment to realism, coupled with her love for vibrant colors and soft-edged objects contrasted with defining shadows, evolves her style into what she believes closely aligns with Russian Impressionism.

What sets Galina’s art apart is the personal touch she imbues in each piece. The emotions and stories she conveys transcend cultural boundaries, making her work universally resonant. Reflecting on her most rewarding projects, she often finds that her latest painting holds a particular charm, embodying the growth and refinement of her technique.

A member of the prestigious Oil Painters of America, Galina has showcased her works in places such as the Artist Co-op gallery and has been recognized with numerous awards for her contributions to art. Furthering her impact, she teaches part-time at Truckee Meadows Community College, Lake Tahoe Community College, and Arts For All Nevada in Reno, nurturing the next generation of artists.

Galina’s art is a testament to her values, striving to preserve and highlight the beauty and emotion in everyday life. This endeavor reflects her belief in the vital role art plays in society—an eternal vessel capturing the essence of human experience. Her goal is to continue exploring and sharing this beauty with the world, ensuring that her artistic vision remains as vivid and captivating as ever.