Biography:

Igor Koutsenko was born in Evpatoria, a resort city on the Crimean Peninsula on the Black Sea. His father brought Igor to the Children's Art School in his hometown after his son demonstrated artistic ability at a young age. At age eleven, Koutsenko was accepted to the adult art studio directed by the acclaimed artist Zvyagintesev who encouraged his talent. Later Igor was educated at the Penza School of Art (class of E. Iodynis) and received rigorous training in the old traditions of Russian realist art. While living in Moscow, he successfully used the Moscow art market to sell his works to Russian and foreign collectors. His experience in Moscow allowed him to fully realize himself as an independent artist.

Koutsenko immigrated to the United States in 1992 settling in Oklahoma City where he taught fine art at the University of Central Oklahoma. In 1995, he was granted permanent United States residentship as an alien of extraordinary abilities.

In 1998 Koutsenko visited Southern California and was attracted by its beautiful scenery and climate that reminded him of his boyhood surroundings in Crimea. Since moving to Southern California, he continues to produce original work at his private studio in Fallbrook. Igor also teaches drawing and painting classes at the Fallbrook School of The Arts.

Throughout his career, Igor was featured in numerous articles, newspapers, and magazines as well as on artistaday.com. Please visit the PRESS page for some excerpts. Igor also appeared in "Artbreak" on the Bravo channel.

Igor's work is in the collection of the Riverside Art Museum, Pfizer Pharmaceutical Company, Institute for Specialized Medicine and the Hoffman Trust Collection, as well as numerous distinguished private collections throughout the United States.

From The Artist:

Thanks for stopping by. I have been in America for over eighteen years. All these years I have been looking for my place here as an immigrant and as an artist. Today I am much closer to finding that place. My influences are in Russian and European cultures. Recently I feel more of a connection with American culture. I am always thankful to those who encourage me with their interest in my work