Romel de la Torre, 1963 | Figurative painter

"I find spiritual beauty in all the things that I paint.

The innocence of a child's face, the endless blue color of the sky, the smell of flowers in the garden, the sound of raindrops falling on the roof.

These gives joy in my heart, inspiration, and gratitude... of being an artist" - Romel de la Torre

Born in Cebu City, Philippines in a community of artists, Filipino painter Romel de la Torre's artistic interest started at a very young age.

With the encouragement of his parents he began sketching the world around him.

Ilham Mirzayev, 1965 | Abstract painter

Ilham Mirzayev was born in Nakhchivan, the Azerbaijan Republic.

He studied at the Azerbaijan State Art School named after Azim Azimzade (1980-1984).

He is a member of the Union of Artists of Azerbaijan (1989) and the Union of Artists of Nakhchivan AR (2012).

Zhang Jing Sheng, 1940 | Plein air painter

Zhang Jing Sheng 张京生 is a Chinese painter, professor and tutor for graduate students at the Tianjin Fine Arts Academy.

He received State Allowance.

In 1967, he graduated from the Oil Painting Department of Central Fine Arts Academy.

He won the silver prize at 'The Chine Fine Arts Exhibition'.

Between 1989 and 1990 he went to America to visit scholars and hold an exhibition, at the request of the Tao Sen University.

Sir Derek Walcott | Amore dopo Amore / Love after Love

Tempo verrà

in cui, con esultanza,

saluterai te stesso arrivato

alla tua porta, nel tuo proprio specchio,

e ognuno sorriderà al benvenuto dell’altro,

Steve Hanks

Romona Youngquist, 1960 | Plein air painter

"My lifestyle hasn’t changed much since early childhood.

I live on a little farm with my family in the middle of Oregon wine country; I still hang out in the woods with the dogs and my own kids; and I still collect a wide range of critters.

When I’m not painting outside, I paint in my studio in order to keep an eye on my kids and pets, while listening to my favorite Bach, Handel and Mozart" - Romona Youngquist.

Pierre Bittar, 1934 | Impressionist painter

World renowned for his Impressionist oil paintings, Pierre Bittar was the son of a musician and a mother descended from the House of Savoie.

His artistic talent was apparent from a young age, and his parents encouraged his gift for drawing and coloring beginning in 1939.

From 1940-1952, he devoted all his leisure time to painting and studying the techniques of the Great Masters, such as Rembrandt and the Impressionists -particularly Monet- during long hours in museums.

Emilia Wilk, 1983 | Impressionist figurative painter

Polish painter Emilia Wilk was born in Wałcz County, Poland.

She specializing in oil paint, began painting at the age of 6.

Wilk's work can be described as impressionistic realism.

The woman figure has always been at the center of her work which she try to capture with a great atmosphere and light.

Education: Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk.

Alexander Sviridov, 1986 | Surrealist photographer

Alexander Sviridov is a fine art photographer and digital artist based in Toronto, Canada.

He initially studied art design in Russia, and over the years he has developed a passion for photography.

-"My photography journey began about twelve years ago.

I came from a background in painting, having worked extensively with oil and acrylic, and spent a few years as a graphic designer.

Those experiences still play a massive role in how I approach my photography today".