About the artist
If you could say it in words,
there would be no reason to paint.
I'm Adriana Ionela Mihai, a realist oil painter from Romania. I graduated Fine Arts at the Octavian Enigărescu school in Târgoviște, and since 2010 I have won numerous painting competitions and participated in art camps both in Romania and abroad.
My artistic style
My artistic style is based on using oil colors to create art on canvas. I graduated from an engineering faculty, which influenced the way I approach the creative process — I enjoy work that is precise and well-balanced, yet retains a note of spontaneity and creative freedom.
I'm very fond of old houses and landscapes, which are frequent sources of inspiration. I am also fascinated by the human form and enjoy exploring the body and movement in new ways. My style is influenced by artists such as Michelangelo and Monet, and is often described as expressive and emotive.
I enjoy rich colors and texture, and using oil as a medium allows me to add depth and dimension to each piece. Overall, my work is a mix of precision and expressiveness, meant to inspire and delight anyone who sees it — to convey the beauty of the surrounding world.
The medium
Oil on canvas
I have chosen the oil on canvas technique to create artworks that reflect my personality and artistic vision. This medium allows me to achieve a wide range of effects and colors, giving me the freedom to explore the world from my perspective.
The use of oil in painting dates back to the 15th century — a technique adopted by masters like Rembrandt and Monet. For me, oil paints offer a quality and depth of color I have not found in other media. Their slow drying speed lets me return to a work again and again, adding subtle layers and new details.
The process
Layer upon layer
I start by sketching an idea on canvas, then apply layer upon layer of oil color. Each layer dries before the next, allowing me to build textures and depth. I use brushes of different sizes and shapes to achieve fine details or larger textural effects.
I paint landscapes, old houses, and works that explore the human body — experimenting with light and shadow to create compositions that convey emotion and mood.
2006 — Present
Group openings
- 2021
"One On One" Group painting exhibition, Octavian Enigărescu Folk Arts School, Târgoviște.
- 2018
"Lumina Nordului" International Fine Arts Camp, Ion Irimescu School of Arts, 13th edition, Mălini.
- 2015
"Lumina Nordului" International Creation Camp — Fine Arts, Ion Irimescu School of Arts, 10th edition, Rădăuți.
- 2013
"Medieval Snapshots" International Fine Arts Camp — International Art Camp.
- 2010
"Days of Art Schools" International Festival, 9th edition, Târgu Mureș.
- 2010
"Lumina Nordului" International Creation Camp — Fine Arts, Ion Irimescu School of Arts, 5th edition, Vatra Dornei.
- 2009
"Ion Rușeț" Literary Creation Course, 4th edition, Graphic Section, Pucioasa, Dâmbovița.
- 2009
"United Nations Climate Art Competition — United Nations Day 2009", European Center for Higher Education.
- 2009
"Lumina Nordului" International Creation Camp — Fine Arts, Ion Irimescu School of Arts, 5th edition, Suceava.
2005 — Present
Awards, Romania
"National Exhibition of Plastic and Decorative Arts of Arts Schools", 14th edition, Pitești — jury award.
"Vespasian Lungu" National Painting and Graphic Contest, 20th edition, Brăila — first prize.
"Lumina Nordului" Ion Irimescu National Fine Arts Competition, 2nd edition, Vatra Dornei — mention.
"N.N. Tonitza" Olympics / Fine Arts Competition, national stage, 10th edition — second prize.
"Contest and Exhibitions of Fine Arts", Târgoviște — first quarter.
Beyond the easel
Photography is one of my great passions — I love exploring the world through the lens and capturing moments that could easily be lost in the everyday hustle. Travel is equally important to me: I'm drawn to places with rich history and interesting architecture, medieval towns and ancient monuments, all of which feed back into my paintings.
My engineering background keeps me curious about how things work, and shapes the way I solve compositional problems on canvas. I also believe in getting involved — supporting art, culture and the communities around me, because these are essential to a healthy society.
Let's stay connected
If you've been inspired by my work and would like to keep up with my latest creations, follow me on social media, or reach out if you're interested in purchasing a piece or commissioning a custom work. Each painting is unique and handcrafted with care.
Thank you for taking the time to get to know me and my work.