Katerina Pravda

Photographed by Kelsey @play.inspire.create.

Creating predominantly in rich inks, mixed media, and luxurious oil paint, Katerina’s artistic inclinations bow to the graceful intermingling of endangered species, elegant people, and their ever-changing environment. She is driven by her undeniable passion for endangered species conservation, environmental protection, and the deep need for the ethical treatment of animals.

Katerina Pravda’s artistry is celebrated for her bold use of colour and line, and innovative approach in showcasing the glorious species of this earth as they become one with the human form (The Darlings Collection). The results are a memorable impression of an unusual harmony - one that exhibits calmness and sophistication, captivating the viewer, in a formidable approach to expressing love, respect, and unity for these breathtaking beings through the birth of a new surrealistic style. Her other notable works continue to explore these themes by centering around the unity and harmony between people, animals, and the environment in unique and striking visual ways, eliciting powerful emotions from the viewer. Many of her art’s collectors celebrate the captivating energy of her pieces as well as their unforgettable and dynamic visual beauty.

Katerina graduated with distinction, earning a Bachelor of Fine Arts in 2013 from Mount Allison University, Canada’s top undergraduate university. She also studied abroad at the University of Newcastle in Australia in 2012, where her artwork found a new sense of freedom and bold expressiveness. It was during her studies in Australia that Katerina’s initial concept for her surrealist pieces took form, in the shape of the iconic piece “Don’t Strip Me Of My Stripes” (elegant zebra-woman on a chair; this was the birth of “The Darlings Collection”).

Katerina Pravda is the recipient of the prestigious 2015 Murray Jacob Clerkson Award, and has exhibited extensively in Canada and internationally. Her artwork continues to be featured in high-profile publications like “Insights Of An Eco Artist” and “Vegan Life Magazine”, where you can further acquaint yourself with her process and inspiration, as well as her philanthropic efforts in saving endangered species and their habitats through her art. Katerina also donates a portion of proceeds from her artwork to various animal charities. Previous recipients include Mercy For Animals Canada, World Wildlife Fund, Toronto Wildlife Centre, RSPCA Australia, Georgian Triangle Humane Society, Procyon Wildlife Centre, Redemption Paws, amongst many others.

In June and July 2024, Katerina was honored to be chosen as the very first artist to grace the space and launch the residency at Studio Ciel Gallery in Collingwood, Canada, where she later held a culminating solo show to much acclaim. Later that year, she joined in the celebration of art and community by participating in the Collingwood Art Crawl, exhibiting at Studio Ciel Gallery, Metra Fashionhouse, and Awear Eco-boutique.

This year, Katerina Pravda was interviewed and featured on an exciting TV segment of “The Scoop Georgian Bay” - a local TV talk show that highlights unique artists, small businesses, and community changemakers. It aired on Youtube and RogersTV in June (see it on the “Press” or “News” page).

Speaking of years, Katerina is proud to be celebrating a milestone this year - her 12 year anniversary as a professional contemporary visual artist! Join her in revisiting this incredible artistic journey as she looks back at her stylistic and conceptual evolution in special behind-the-scenes clips, sketchbooks reveals, and never-before-seen pieces from her artistic vault! Sign up to her newsletter below to gain access to these collector goodies, as well as first previews of brand new work and VIP invites to her exhibitions!