8" h x 10" w (20cm x 25cm)

Oil on canvas

Walter Monastyretsky was born, raised and educated in the Ukraine where he became a licensed pharmacist early on. Yet his love and understanding of art was overpowering and he attented The National Academy of Fine Arts and Architecture (The Kiev State Art Institute 1978)

There he earned a Bachelor Degree and went on to earn a Masters Degree in Fine Art. His major was painting and minor was Art Restoration and Conservation.

Mr. Monastyretsky is a classically trained professional artist whose specialty is oil on canvas. His forte is the classic portrait. Other areas of expertise are various styles, techniques and subject matters of oil painting and interior murals. Some other mediums are occasionally used.

Walter's artistic philosophy is that as an artist he sees the beauty of the world around him and wishes to share his God given talent with his fellow man.

Before immigrating to the United States, Walter became well known throughout Eastern Europe and has a long list of shows and expositions. For many years he lived, worked and actively participated in Art Expositions in Paris, Prague, Warsaw, Krakow, Vienna and other European cities. He became head supervising artist at a large conservatory with several apprentices under his control. He also stood as a jurist on numerous occasions judging the work of other artists. He received many grants for his outstanding work.

Walter's works of art are represented in eleven museums throughout the world and in numerous private collections in over twenty countries.

Here in America, Mr. Monastyretsky has been developing a loyal following of collecters. His portraits are outstanding and his still life work is remarkable. There are also many exquisite homes which are adorned with Walter's graceful interior murals.

2014: Mr. Monastyretsky has been commissioned by the Vatican to paint the official portrait of Pope Francis.

Some of Walter's recent expositions are as follows:

2008 - The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Art, Chicago, IL
2007 - Ukranian Cultural Center, Chicago, IL
2007 - Boulevard Fine Arts, Forest Park, IL
2006 - Gallery at Ukranian Independent Radio, Chicago, IL
2006 - Brigantine Gallery, LaGrange, IL
2005 - Boulevard Fine Arts,Oak Park, IL
2005 - Rose Gallery, Chicago, IL
1999 - International Art Expo, New York, NY

Walter is a menber in good standing of the following professional associations:

Plein Air Painters of Chicago
Oil Painters of America
Chicago Artists Coalition
The Palette & Chisel Academy of Fine Arts
Association of Artists of Poland
Association of Artists of Ukraine