About the Artist
Art has always been at the heart of my life. With a fine arts degree and a deep appreciation for storytelling through painting, I have spent over a decade capturing weddings and events on canvas. As a live wedding painter, I bring an artistic vision that transforms fleeting moments into heirlooms that will be treasured for generations.
My journey into live painting began in 2012, when I met Bill Higginson during the Vancouver finale of Art Battle, a live painting competition. He had been live painting at events since 2007, starting in Australia before moving to Canada in 2009. Our shared passion for art quickly turned into collaboration, and together we became the All-Time Champions of the Golden Brush live art competition. What began as an artistic partnership soon became something more, and in 2020, we were married.
Over the years, we have painted hundreds of weddings and events, creating unique works of art that capture love stories in a way no other medium can. While Bill now focuses on his studio work, I have taken the lead in live painting, continuing to bring this incredible experience to couples around the world. He still joins me for large-scale events, making it all the more special when we get to paint side by side.
Live painting is more than a service, it is an immersive experience, an elegant form of entertainment, and a way to preserve a moment in a way that no photograph ever could. Each painting I create is crafted with care, emotion, and an artist’s eye for storytelling, ensuring that every brushstroke reflects the beauty and essence of your wedding day.
It is an honor to be part of so many love stories, and I would love to 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