Featured Artist: Michael Denesyk
An Artist’s Journey in Discovering Beauty in Everyday Landscapes
Connecting with the Artist
As always, I first encountered Michael’s work through social media. His still life and portrait paintings, seemingly created indoors, gave me a feeling reminiscent of old mahogany furniture. Every time he completed a piece, he would place it on an easel and take a photo, offering glimpses of his studio in the background, which I found intriguing.
Yes, that’s right. Michael is a serious and dedicated artist who focuses on his craft without seeking attention or embellishing himself.
Today’s featured artist, Michael Denesyk, resides in Parkdale, located in the southwestern part of Toronto. With easy access to natural surroundings like Lake Ontario and High Park, this neighborhood is known for its cultural diversity, a blend of Victorian-era and modern architecture, and a mix of different people and lifestyles. Michael finds inspiration in all of these aspects.
An Unexpected Gift: A Farewell Blossoms into Art
Michael’s journey as an artist began in an entirely unexpected way. Born to artisan parents—his father a woodworking instructor and his mother an art teacher in a small rural town—creativity was always part of his life. However, he didn’t seriously pursue art until much later.
"Until the early 1990s, I was satisfied with just sketching people."
But in 1995, an event changed his life forever. After a breakup, his former partner left him a set of oil paints and brushes as a parting gift.
At first, he started with abstract painting, simply to learn how to handle the paint. But this moment became the starting point of his artistic journey, continuing to this day.
Between ‘Being Alone’ and ‘Loneliness’: The Beauty of Solitude on Canvas
Over time, Michael’s work became increasingly expressive.
"I used to analyze everything too much. Now, I want people to feel curiosity or simply appreciate the beauty, rather than overthink it."
His paintings capture the presence of nature in the heart of the city, the simple beauty of everyday objects in still lifes, and the human stories embedded in portraits. Michael prefers painting familiar objects like fruits, bottles, vases, and plates over flowers, infusing them with his unique sensibility. Through his use of color, he expresses a state of "being alone, but not lonely." While digital cameras can capture many things, a painting created by human hands conveys a different kind of emotion.
"Digital cameras can capture a lot, but a painting conveys a completely different feeling. In the end, art is a bridge that connects people."
The Weekend Rituals of an Artist: Balancing Life and Creativity
"I make almost no income from art. I currently work full-time in another job to support myself, but painting is what brings me the most peace."
Michael maintains a full-time job to make a living, while art remains his sanctuary. On Saturday mornings, he visits Above Ground, an art supply store, to buy new canvases and paints, preparing to bring the images in his mind to life.
"After finishing household chores on weekdays or on weekends, I finally enter my own world."
Lately, he has been sketching with acrylics first, letting them dry overnight before applying oil paints on top. This technique saves time while creating a sense of depth.
When he struggles with ideas, Michael switches from "creation mode" to "practice mode." He strolls through Parkdale, taking photos with his iPhone, or sits in cafés sketching people passing by, gathering inspiration. Once a clear image forms in his mind, he returns to "creation mode." He mainly works with acrylics, oils, charcoal, pencils, and ballpoint pens.
Limited Space, Unlimited Imagination: The Reality of an Urban Artist
Toronto’s high cost of living and limited space present constant challenges for Michael. His small home studio is filled with completed works, but he doesn’t complain.
"I don’t make a living from art, but art keeps my soul alive."
He has sold some pieces, but his goal is not just commercial success—it is about sharing his perspective with more people. While he continues to create art independently, he is also preparing works for future exhibitions and sales. Social media has opened new opportunities for him. Through Instagram, he shares his work, connects with fellow artists in Parkdale, and recently participated in an online exhibition with Aird Gallery.
Learning to Pause and Observe: Michael Denesyk’s Message
"We live too fast. But if you stop and observe your surroundings, you’ll realize how fleeting life is—and how much beauty exists within that fleetingness."
For Michael, who values independence above all else, art is an expression of freedom and observation. At the start of the pandemic, he saw many people living in tents on the streets. He sketched their figures but chose not to commercialize those works, as he believed it would compromise their dignity. This experience deepened his understanding of human vulnerability.
Michael Denesyk’s paintings teach us the value of slowing down. Each brushstroke seems to whisper—there is always a special moment waiting around us. His art reminds us to stop, observe, and feel.
To view Michael Denesyk’s latest works and follow his artistic journey, find him on Instagram and Facebook.
For artwork purchases or commission inquiries, you can contact him directly through his social media accounts. 👉 Follow @Instagram
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