Meet Lucy Tolkunova: Fine Arts

We had the good fortune of connecting with Lucy Tolkunova and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Lucy, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
To me art is a passion. I simply don’t see myself outside of art industry. It’s hard to explain but it is a feeling that I’m able to create art that affects other people. An artwork that another person will look at to admire, an artwork that someone would like to bring home, an artwork that evoke memories, feeling, emotions… Each artwork has a story, a unique story that I can bring to life. This is a reason for me to continue my art career and keep creating.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art journey started with a simple desire to draw; one day I went an art store to get supplies, found online instructions and got into it. For several years I’ve been drawing, developing my techniques, and falling in love with Art while at the same time pursuing my master’s degree in accounting and starting a career in audit and compliance. I then joined local art organizations, met other artists, and realized that art became an integral part of my life. My desire to create unique artworks that bring joy and inspire lead me to shows and art competitions. It was then when my first artwork from Origami Drawings series won award at the local art show and the following year it was a winner to be included in Strokes of Genius 7th edition. It was so exciting! I continued the series with 3 more drawings, each of those got recognition and one more was included in 10th edition of Strokes of Genius. With full time job as a Compliance Manager and 2 active boys ( 5 and 12-years old) pursuing art business is not always easy. But family comes first, the rest requires planning and prioritizing, and very often I find myself painting at night when boys are sleeping. I love working with graphite and charcoal; there is a simple beauty in subtle variations of grey and in reach velvety black of charcoal. But I never stop learning; there is always so much to learn in art. Every year I take time to study with artists whose work I admire. I learn new techniques and study different subjects. This let me grow as an artist, inspires, and motivates me to go to the next level in my art career. I currently have 2 main lines of works: portraits and still life; I am accepting commissions, working or series of charcoal drawings and oil painting, and selling reproductions of some of my artworks. I continue to be involved with art organizations; being around other artists give me a motivation and confidence to pursue art as business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
Definitely Dallas Arboretum, the park is so beautiful any time of the year. Fort Worth Stockyards is a great place to visit; cattle drive, rodeo, and lots of fun. And of course 2 of my favorite museums: Kimbell Art Museum and SMU Meadows Museum. The Star in Frisco is a place to go for a drink and a dinner.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’m very grateful for support and encouragement from my family. The Visual Arts Guild of Frisco is wonderful organization that supports local artists; I’ve been a member for over 10 years and served on the Board and to me it become like an art family. Robyn Parker Feehan, the owner of the Gallery 8680 in Frisco; always great art exhibits, wonderfully curated and presented. I’ve been fortunate to meet many amazing artists who became good friends and I’m blessed to have their support in my art journey.

Website: https://lucytolkunova.com/
Instagram: lucy.tolkunova
Facebook: LucyTolkunovaStudio