Welcome! I’m glad you’re here to share in my journey through watercolor.

I was born in Ukraine and grew up in Odesa, a multicultural port city shaped by sunlight, sea salt, historical buildings, and a blend of cultures. My creative path started with photography and a wish to share the awe of a moment with others. Later, I discovered painting, which allowed me to rethink and reimagine what I saw, adding my own emotional touch to my art.

I mostly work with watercolor. I love how it can be vibrant and subtle at the same time; it has a mind of its own and always challenges my intentions.

I live in San Ramon with my family, juggling life as a software engineer, a mom of an elementary student, and an artist. I’m fascinated by the beauty of California nature, and I love hiking and sketching in those rare moments when I have spare time—from the foggy and fragrant ocean shore to the blooming, rolling hills of the East Bay.

I’m honored to be a member of the Tri-Valley artist community and grateful for the opportunities it gives me to share my art with people. I hope you enjoy exploring my work.

Love, Marina.

Commissions & Mentoring

I am currently open to custom commissions and would be honored to capture a place or memory that is special to you in watercolor. I also offer private lessons and mentoring, both online and in-person within the Tri-Valley area, for those who want to explore the fluid magic of this medium together. If you're interested in a custom painting or learning with me, please reach out — I would love to hear from you!

Selected Exhibitions & Awards

2026

  • Honorable Mention Award – LAA Spring Art Show, Bothwell Arts Center, Livermore, CA

  • Solo Exhibition – Alcosta Senior and Community Center, San Ramon, CA

  • Solo Exhibition – Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton, CA

  • Inspiration In The New Era – HAC Members' Show, Hayward City Hall, CA

  • Presenting Splendid Surroundings – CWA Member Show, UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery, Livermore, CA

  • Spring 2026 Juried Art Show: Locals Only – San Ramon, CA

  • Light Of The West – Livermore Art Association, CA

  • New Beginnings – Latte Da Vinci, Pleasanton, CA

  • Imagination Expressed – PAL Members’ Show, Museum on Main, Pleasanton, CA

  • Let’s Eat! Fundraising Art Show – Studio 55 Martinez‍, Martinez, CA

  • CWA August Interlude – The Den & Gallery, Lafayette, CA

2025

  • Golden Award – For the Love of Art, Hayward Arts Council Juried Exhibition, CA

  • 3rd Place Award – Happy Memories, John Muir Health Auxiliary Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA

  • Awarded by City of Livermore – LAA Spring Art Show, Bothwell Arts Center, CA

  • Featured Artist – Fragile Earth: A Call to Action, Bankhead Theater Gallery, Livermore, CA

  • CWA 55th International Exhibition – Piedmont Center for the Arts, CA

  • The Wonders of Plein Air – aRt Cottage, Concord, CA

  • Wellness – John Muir Auxiliary Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA

  • Perspectives – San Ramon Spring Juried Art Show, CA

  • Nature’s Whisper – VASS Second Annual Members Show, San Ramon, CA

  • The Work of Wings – LAA October Library Show, Livermore, CA

  • Whisper of Autumn – Latte Da Vinci, Pleasanton, CA

  • DAC Members Show & Small Works – The Frame Company & Art Gallery, Dublin, CA

  • Nature's Palette: Watercolor Wonders – Robert Livermore Community Center, CA

  • Convergence of Creativity: The Shape of Things – Lindsay Dirkx Brown Gallery, San Ramon, CA

  • Desserts – Dublin Arts Collective, Paxti's Pizza, Dublin, CA

2024

  • Natural To Abstract – City of San Ramon Juried Art Exhibition, CA

  • Delicious World – SFWA Juried Exhibition, San Francisco Women Artists Gallery, CA

  • Rails Connect – Firehouse Arts Center, Pleasanton, CA

  • Joyful Moments – John Muir Health Auxiliary Gallery, Walnut Creek, CA

  • Honor & Celebrate Women – Livermore Library Gallery, CA

  • Off the Wall – UNCLE Credit Union Art Gallery, Livermore, CA

  • Splendid Surroundings – City of San Ramon City Hall Gallery, CA

Community Projects

  • Let’s Eat! Fundraising Show – Group exhibition contributing 20% of art sales to the Food Bank of Contra Costa and Solano.

  • Seasonal Window Painting – Public art project with Pleasanton Art League, Downtown Pleasanton, CA

  • Bad Art Portrait Fundraiser – Volunteer artist for Friends of Oakland Animal Services, creating custom pet portraits to benefit shelter animals

Affiliations