Yulia Tsinko is a Canadian visual artist and art instructor based in Calgary, Alberta. Her work is rooted in expressive realism, combining careful observation, strong draftsmanship, and an interest in the emotional charge of colour, light, and form. Before pursuing art professionally, Yulia studied Ecology at the University of Calgary, and her fascination with the natural world continues to inform the way she sees and paints.
Yulia works in charcoal, ink, acrylic, watercolour and oil, with a particular focus on working from life. She has studied at the AUArts, Emily Carr Institute, and the Barcelona Academy of Art, where she trained in classical drawing and painting methods. She has also studied with a number of contemporary figurative artists including Steve Huston, Henry Yan and Jeremy Mann.
As an instructor, Yulia brings together technical structure and creative exploration. Her classes often focus on building strong foundations in drawing, painting, composition, value, and observation, while encouraging students to develop their own expressive visual voice. She is especially interested in making traditional skills feel accessible and useful for contemporary artists.
selected exhibitions
- 2016 “Disclosure”, Feather Gallery, Calgary, AB
- 2016 “Emerging Artist Exhibit”, Pumphouse Theatre Art Gallery, Calgary, AB
- 2017 “Play”, Pumphouse Theatre Art Gallery, Calgary, AB
- 2017 “Spotlight” Exhibition, ACAD, Calgary, AB
- 2017 “People’s Portrait Prize” Exhibition, C-Space, Calgary, AB
- 2018 Solo Show, The Roasterie, Calgary, AB
- 2018 “ShapeFormChanges”, Motion Gallery, Calgary, AB
- 2018 Juried Fall Show, Calgary Sketch Club, Calgary, AB
- 2019 “Spring Invitational”, Art Point Gallery, Calgary, AB
- 2021 “The Indie YYC Gallery Series”, The Indie YYC, Calgary, AB
- 2022 Solo Show, Euphoria Cafe, Calgary, AB
- 2023 Spring Show, Calgary Sketch Club, Calgary, AB
- 2024 The Square Foot Show, Virtual, US/Canada
- 2026 “Side by Side”, Art Point Group Exhibition, C-Space Marda Loop, Calgary, AB
- 2026 Solo Show, Art Point Mini Gallery, Calgary, AB
awards
- 2023 Ernie Lamb Plein Air Camp Award, Calgary Sketch Club
print and online publications
- “Ms Mystic” podcast, Episode #4: Becoming an Artist with Yulia Tsinko; December 2020
- “Like a Girl” zine, issue 05; Sep 6, 2019
- “Beard Revered” blog; September 18, 2014
affiliations
- Art Point Galleries and Studios Society
