Erika Farkas
Oil
Biography
Erika Farkas is a self-taught artist based in Ottawa. Her artistic journey began more than a decade ago with realistic pencil portraits. Over the years, she has expanded her repertoire to include pastel, mixed media, acrylic, and oil paintings, demonstrating a versatile and evolving style.
Erika is known for her passion for portraying the human form, exploring the nuances of movement and emotion through detailed and expressive work. Her latest series of oil paintings depicts aspects of water and nature through highly realistic portraits and waterscapes.
She actively participates in art exhibitions throughout Ottawa and has been recognized with several awards in local and international competitions. Her works, including numerous commissioned portraits, can be found in private collections across North America, Europe, and Asia.
Artist Statement
Art is my bridge between the tangible and the intangible, a way to connect with others and explore the deepest corners of the human soul. My work reflects my personal journey—rooted in the rugged beauty of Transylvania, enriched by my life in Canada, and shaped by the leap I took at age 50 to pursue my dream of being an artist.
As a self-taught artist, I began with the meticulous strokes of pencil realism, learning to observe and translate the world with precision and care. Over time, my practice has evolved into a dance of mediums—pastels, acrylics, oils, mixed media, and resin—each chosen to express a specific mood or story. My engineering background often finds its way into my art, inspiring elements of structure, precision, and symmetry that contrast with the organic flow of emotions I seek to portray.
Storytelling is at the heart of my creative process. Each piece I create holds a narrative, whether it’s a celebration of the human spirit, a reflection on resilience, or a commentary on our shared experiences. Through my work, I aim to evoke emotions, spark conversations, and invite viewers to see themselves in the stories I tell.
Art, for me, is more than a career or passion—it is a way of life, a means of self-discovery, and a channel for connection. It is my hope that my work resonates with viewers, offering them moments of introspection, inspiration, and connection.
Website: https://erikafarkas.com
Facebook page: https://www.facebook.com/erikafarkasartist1/
Instagram page: https://www.instagram.com/erikafarkasart/