Hi, I’m Olga.
Art has been a part of my life for as long as I can remember. With a fine arts degree and over a decade of experience painting weddings and events, I’ve dedicated my career to capturing meaningful moments as they unfold, turning them into lasting works of art.
My journey into live wedding painting began in 2012, when I met Bill Higginson during the Vancouver finale of Art Battle, a live painting competition. He had been painting live at weddings since 2007, first in Australia and then in Canada. We quickly connected through our shared love of art and began collaborating, eventually becoming the All-Time Champions of the Golden Brush Live Art competition. Our creative partnership grew into something more, and in 2020, we were married.
Together, we’ve painted hundreds of weddings and events across North America, creating one-of-a-kind pieces that tell each couple’s unique story. These days, Bill focuses more on his studio work, while I continue to lead the live painting side of our work. He still joins me for larger events, and it’s always special when we get to create side by side again.
Live painting is more than just a beautiful addition to your wedding, it's a way to preserve a moment in a way that feels emotional, personal, and timeless. Each painting is created with care and intention, reflecting the atmosphere and feeling of the day in a way no photo ever could.
It’s a privilege to be part of so many love stories, and I’d be honored to help bring yours to life on canvas.
When I’m not live painting, you can find me working on my personal art practice, inspired by landscapes and the stories they hold.
You can explore my artwork at olgarybalko.com.
Bill continues to create in his studio as well, his work is available to view at williamhigginson.com.
Awards & Recognitions
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2024 “Currents & Echoes”, Inaugural Golden Brush Art Competition in Manila, Canadian Representative
2014 Champions League, Golden Brush, First place
2013 Season two finale, Golden Brush, First place
2013 Art Battle 61 Vancouver Championship Winner
2012 Art Battle, May, First Place
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2022 Kaleido Impressionism Art Prize - Honourable Mention
2019 International Artist Magazine Challenge No. 127, Finalist
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2012
University of British Columbia
Bachelor of Arts, Major in Visual Arts and Minor in Art History -
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The Vancouver Club
Shangri-La Hotel Vancouver
Bridges Restaurant
Swaneset Golf & Country Club
UBC Boathouse
The Westin Bayshore
Rosewood Hotel Georgia
Timber Room - Grouse Mountain
Newlands Golf & Country Club
The Permanent
Sea to Sky Gondola
Denver Botanical Gardens
Fairmont Hotel Vancouver
Fairmont Pacific Rim
Cecil Green Park House
Brock House Restaurant
Stanley Park Pavillion
Hatley Castle
Rockwater Resort, Sunshine Coast
Shaughnessy Golf & Country Club