Olga Sova
Surreal Illusionism
In Surreal Illusionism, I blend real-life characters and settings with unexpected, dreamlike twists. Each illustration reimagines familiar scenes in unusual ways, inviting viewers to see reality from a new perspective.
About the creator
- I am a Russian artist based in Dubai, where I have lived for many years. My journey in art began in childhood and has grown into a lifelong passion. Over time, my creative focus has evolved, with a strong emphasis on pencil and watercolor techniques. My work moves between realism and surrealism, often blending both to explore deeper meanings and evoke emotion.
Education & Professional Development
Education 1987–1990: "Courses for Decorative Artists", Noyabrsk, Russia 1982–1987: Noyabrsk School of Arts, Noyabrsk, Russia oFocus: Painting, Drawing, Sculpture, History of Art, Composition Masterclasses & Workshops Online & Offline Masterclasses September 2023: Online Master Class with Alexandr Votsmush – “The Colour of the Sea in Watercolour” September 2023: Online Master Class with Alexandr Votsmush – “Improvisation in Watercolour” September 2023: Online Master Class with Alexandr Votsmush – “On the Seashore in Watercolour” December 2019: Online Master Class with Konstantin Sterhkov – “Cats in Watercolour” November 2019: Online Master Class with Anna Ivanova – “Portraits in Watercolour” November 2019: Online Master Class with Elena Bazanova – “A Bouquet of Daisies in Watercolour” September 2019: Online Master Class with Elena Bazanova – “A Sprig of Red Currant in Watercolour” August 2019: Online Master Class with Anastasia Kustova – “How to Draw Human Body. Watercolour Marathon” August 2019: Offline Plein Air with Anastasia Kustova – “Moscow Landscape in Watercolour”, Moscow, Russia July 2019: Offline Workshop with Julia Barminova – “Seascape in Watercolour”, Moscow, Russia June 2019: Online Master Class with Sergiy Lysyy – “Florence in Watercolour” June 2019: Online Master Class with Anastasia Kustova – “How to Draw Human. Watercolour Marathon” May 2019: Online Master Class with Sergey Kurbatov – “24 Hours Watercolour Marathon” May 2019: Online Master Class with Anastasia Kustova – “Portrait and Figure Painting in Watercolour” May 2019: Online Master Class with Alexandr Votsmush – “Sea and the City in Watercolour” Professional Experience Residencies & Art Practice2019–Present: Focused on Developing a Unique Artistic Style, Dubai, UAE 2015–2018: Wall Murals in Private Homes and Villas, Dubai, UAE 1990–1993: Drawing Instructor at a Children’s Club, Noyabrsk, Russia Art Collections "Sea, Shades of Blue" – Surrealism, Mixed Media, 2021–2024 "Women Portraits" – Illustration Surreal, Mixed Media, 2021–2024 "Arabic Folklore Art" – Surrealism, Mixed Media, 2021–2024 "Cars, Boats, Yachts" – Surrealism, Mixed Media, 2021 "Seascape" – Realistic, Watercolor, 2019 "Portraits" – Realistic, Watercolor, 2019 "N or N" – Realistic, Pencil on Paper, 2018 "1000 Horsepower" – Realistic, Pencil on Paper, 2017 "Modern Arab Emirates" – Realistic, Pencil on Paper, 2016
Exhibitions
Solo Exhibitions 2018: Solo Exhibition, World Art Dubai, showcasing graphite collections "1000 Horsepower," "N or N," and "Modern Arab Emirates," Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE Group Exhibitions and Open Calls 2025: “World Art Dubai Exhibition,” with Reem Gallery, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE 2024: "Many Paths, One Destination," under the patronage of NBF, Fujairah Cultural Center, UAE (Finalist—Top 50 out of 1,000 artists) 2024: “Emotion Exhibition,” Gadarte, Florence, Italy 2024: “World Art Dubai Exhibition,” with Reem Gallery, Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE 2024: “Red Horse Exhibition,” Sikka Warehouse, Dubai, UAE 2020: “Cultural Diversity Art Exhibition” with Art Smiley, Doubletree by Hilton Business Bay, Dubai, UAE 2020: “Women in Art Exhibition,” Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai, UAE 2019: “Common Ground Exhibition,” Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai, UAE 2019: “Women in Art Exhibition,” Central Park Towers, DIFC, Dubai, UAE 2018: “Dubai International Horse Fair,” Dubai World Trade Centre, Dubai, UAE 2018: “Dubai Show Jumping Championship”, showcasing "1000 Horsepower," Emirates Equestrian Centre, Dubai, UAE
