Mikhail Garmash was born in 1969 in Lugansk, Ukraine, and began painting at just three years old. By age six, he entered formal training at the Lugansk Youth Creative Center. Inessa Kitaichik was born in 1972 in Lipetsk, Russia, and excelled in ballet, gymnastics, and music before turning to fine art.
Mikhail graduated valedictorian from Lugansk State Fine Art College in 1987 and later from St. Petersburg Academy of Art at the head of his class. Inessa entered Lugansk Fine Art School at fifteen and was accepted as best undergraduate at seventeen. Their paths crossed when Mikhail spotted Inessa during army leave and painted her portrait on walls around her hometown.
Their artistic collaboration began unexpectedly when their two-year-old daughter painted over one of Mikhail’s works. Inessa fixed it using her own training, and when Mikhail submitted it, he was told it was his best work ever. He immediately recognized his wife’s hand, and they have painted together ever since.
“Our love has been the inspiration for our work. It is with the paint brush that we express our true emotions.” – Michael & Inessa Garmash
The Garmashs are considered two of the finest Romantic Impressionists of our day. Their impressionistic works show mastery of the figure and ability to translate sensuality. Both work on the same piece, which is extraordinarily unique in the art industry. Their paintings express the beauty of domesticity through intricate brushwork and vibrant colors.
Their work spans paintings, stained-glass windows, mosaics, and drawings exhibited across Europe. Mikhail received an honorary medal for his work at the Suvorov Military Museum in St. Petersburg. They began working with French dealers in the 1990s and entered the US market in 2000. Their art continues to be collected by admirers of romantic, timeless impressionism.
Their daughter Polina often serves as their model. The couple continues to create art that captures the warmth of family life, the elegance of the female form, and the beauty of everyday moments. Their work is a testament to the power of love and artistic partnership.
Q: What makes Mikhail and Inessa Garmash’s artistic collaboration unique?
A: Both artists work together on the same piece, which is rare in the art world. Their partnership began after Inessa repaired one of Mikhail’s paintings, and they have painted side by side ever since. Their shared vision and complementary skills produce romantic impressionist works celebrated for their mastery of the human figure. They are considered two of the finest Romantic Impressionists of our time.