Introduction and Biography

Dr. Roman Valiulin brings to his artwork the unique perspective of a scientist who draws inspiration from the complex forms and mechanisms in nature and the built environment. His life and career have given him the unique opportunity to live on several continents and to experience the mountainous, Pacific, and Atlantic United States. As a self-taught artist, he combines talent, inspiration, and creativity to bring to life vivid, abstract, and imaginative worlds.

Dr. Valiulin was raised in one of the largest metropolises in the world, and after earning his undergraduate and master’s degree in Moscow, he moved to Denver, Colorado to pursue a Ph.D. in organic chemistry. Dr. Valiulin was quick to explore the flourishing landscape, geography, and environs of Denver and the mountains. Some of his earlier works draw inspiration from this region and are reflective of the natural plant life and earth formations characteristic of the Rocky Mountains. In 2010, after earning his Ph.D., Dr. Valiulin commenced a post-doctoral fellowship in San Diego, California. His works from this period are inspired by his exposure to the Pacific coast and the flora of the region. Thereafter, Dr. Valiulin’s career took him to the eastern United States where he continues to pursue a senior post-doctoral fellowship and is exposed to the rich plant life and lush landscape characteristic of the southeast.

Creative Approach

Dr. Valiulin started dabbling with drawing early in his childhood. He started with emulating what he observed. Over time, he developed skill, and the level of complexity and novelty in his works increased. His later works continue to draw inspiration from nature, life, and popular culture; however, the works are also filtered through his creative mind and are truly one-of-a-kind creations.

Dr. Valiulin uses pencil and pen as media for most of his work, and he employs oil pastel and markers for others. His drawings exude passion and lean toward warm and dark earth colors that he uses to convey perspective, light, and shadow. This approach draws viewers in and makes the depictions life-like. Common elements and inspirations include the motion of the wind, fire, life, and natural decay. Overall, his collections include monochromatic sketches, geometric art with sharp and decisive lines, as well as color drawings that display a wide range of color and complexity.