Rising Stars: Meet Jackie Lukianov

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Jackie Lukianov.

Hi Jackie, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
I’ve been drawing for as long as I can remember. I feel like every artist says this, but it’s usually very relevant and true for each of us. Drawing and creating was kind of an escape as a kid. It helped me get through all the hard times, and I was able to, in a way, forget how bad things were in real life. I was able to be myself or be in my own creative world, without having to worry about anything else.

In high school, I had an art teacher with whom I really learned and connected, and they always expressed how I should pursue art in some way, shape, or form. By the time I finished high school, I felt confident enough in my craft and I went into college knowing I wanted to do something with art. I immediately took as many art classes as I could get into despite not having a car. Either way, going to college was a big deal, as my mom hadn’t even finished high school.

I wanted to make her proud, but at the end of the day, I wanted to finish for myself. You could say I was always meant to be an artist, but that sounds so cliche. I think at the end of the day, I always knew it was for me because I put so much time and effort into it. I’m not one to put time and effort into something, and then throw it by the wayside. I developed my craft early on, and I’m here to see it through.

Practice does not make perfect… Practice makes progress, it makes you better, and more confident in your skills. I wouldn’t say I’m the most established artist in my area, but I’m fortunate to be able to say that I can do art full-time, and take care of my family’s home life. I’m fortunate to have a partner who believes in me and takes care of our needs as well. Things are slowly growing for my art.

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I can’t say it has been the smoothest of roads. It hasn’t been super bumpy either, maybe somewhere in the middle. Growing poor was, in a way, a struggle. It has shaped me in ways, most people can’t even fathom experiencing.

It made going to college that much more of a challenge, not knowing if it was something affordable, or possible, but somehow life found a way to make it happen. Because I was the first in my family to really pursue education, I had no idea what I was doing, so it took me a few years to figure out what the process was and how I could make it work.

At 24, I got pregnant, and that kind of threw a wrench in things. I took a year and a half off and went back to finish my BFA in watercolor when she was 9 months old. That was probably the hardest and most fulfilling thing I could have ever done for myself. Being away from her, but also doing something to better us both in the long run.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
As far as my work is concerned, I create realistic watercolor portraits of people and plants. I enjoy combining living things with dead things as well. Skulls are a huge component of my art. I like being able to make watercolor look like a photo but in a simple and minimalistic way.

I’ve also been a rock climber for many years, and have incorporated either climber into my work. Or I draw inspiration from my climbing trips. I feel most proud when someone can identify the person in my paintings. Or point out a detail that is identifiable.

Because that is what sets me apart from others, being able to take a bunch of random colors on a pallet and create a painting where the person can be perfectly identified. It’s often very challenging to get a massive amount of detail into a watercolor painting, especially something as small as trading card size. I LOVE painting miniatures.

Can you talk to us a bit about happiness and what makes you happy?
Enjoying an epic sunset after a day of climbing outside with those I love most. Despite being an artist, I enjoy being out in nature. I enjoy climbing, and the challenges and triumphs that come along with it. But I most enjoy spending quality time with friends and goofing off with them. It makes my heart happy.

Pricing:

• $35 an hour for watercolor paintings
• $25 an hour for pen and ink drawings
• 1-hour free consultation

Contact Info:

• Website: jackietrejoart.bigcartel.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/jackietrejoart/

Image Credits
Coleman Becker