The Art of Marina Zavalova

An accomplished artist, Marina is driven by her passion to paint in the outdoors. Like the Russian impressionists who inspired her, she tries to chase and capture the light and moment of beauty in every piece she creates. The end result are highly colorful pieces with bold application of paint that are filled with emotion.

Art by Marina Zavalova. A vibrant watercolor painting capturing the dynamic hues and lively essence of a sunlit tree, with a harmonious interplay of light and color, by original fine art artist Marina Zavalova.
Art by Marina Zavalova. Vibrant brushstrokes capture the essence of a contemplative canine in a modern impressionist oil painting by Marina Zavalova.
Art by Marina Zavalova. An impressionist, vibrant impasto painting of a boat amidst lush foliage, where the brush strokes capture the dynamic play of light and color.

Marina's Story

I always believed that women can do “big art” not just crafts, and all my life I tried to prove it.

I started to paint for my high school theater at age 16. We traveled across Russia with plays, trying to bring the arts to remote areas. We were very young, 16-18 years old, and we saw interest and great appreciation for what we were doing from hard working people, collective farm workers and their families. The great impact that had on me combined with the beauty of nature pushed me to study art professionally and become an artist. My father, a professional artist, helped me on this journey.

I graduated in 1985 from the Art Academy in Moscow, Russia with a Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Art. Besides numerous exhibits I also participated in church restoration in Moscow, being the only woman on the team.

I emigrated to the United States in 1990 for political reasons with my husband Vladimir (also an artist) and my 3 children. By 1993 I had my art in galleries across the USA and began teaching classes and workshops.

Art by Marina Zavalova. Autumn's bounty: a vivid impressionist oil painting of a rustic basket overflowing with colorful fall foliage and ripe, red berries, set against a moody, dark background that accentuates the warmth of

Volunteer Work

Marina started 24 hour painting marathons in 2015 to benefit her local community. In May 2015 a 24 hour painting marathon was held to benefit the Bonneville Humane Society, The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, and PETA! The second marathon was in June 2015 to benefit The Haven Shelter, a domestic violence center and shelter for women with kids. In July 2015 Marina painted at 3 hour events to benefit the Idaho Falls Zoo, and in October 2015 to benefit Habitat for Humanity. Marina also perform painting demonstrations at local schools free of charge. With smashing success!!

Art by Marina Zavalova. Rustic charm: an idyllic countryside scene painted with broad, expressive strokes by Russian impressionist Marina Zavalova, capturing a quaint farmhouse aside a gently flowing stream, basking in the

Accomplishments

  • 2023
    • “Patriarch” watercolor admitted to Western Federation Watercolor Society
    • Watercolor admitted to Idaho Watercolor Society 39th Annual Capitol Rotunda Art Show
  • 2022
    • Honorable Mention in local art show for figure drawing
  • 2021
    • First place in local art juried show with oil painting
  • 2020-present
    • Bingham County Plein Air paint out
  • 2020
    • First place in Bingham County Annual Competition
  • 2018-present
    • Teaching classes at College of Eastern Idaho- oil painting, watercolor, figure drawing
  • 2018
    • Two artist show at Willard Art Center, Idaho Falls. Half of the exhibit sold in first 4 hours of the show
  • 2016
    • Exhibit of Russian Painters in Idaho: From Bongart to Zavalova, January 21 – March 26, 2016 at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho
    • Teaching classes at The Art Museum of Eastern Idaho, Idaho Falls, Idaho
    • Invited to participate in “Women of the West” Professional Artists at Dixie State University, St. George, Utah.
  • 2015
    • Spring Salon, Logan Fine Art Gallery, Logan, Utah
    • 2 large paintings accepted for a juried statewide competition “Biennale Art Idaho”
    • Big mural painted for a local business
    • Outdoor workshop at TAM
    • Exhibit at Idaho State University Library
    • “Driggs Digs” Plein Air paint out
    • Collaborated on 4 large paintings with artists Marko Marino, Ryan Stein, Aubrey Fridley, Gaylenn Fridley
  • 2014
    • 2 paintings accepted into Coutts Museum of Art, El Dorado, Kansas
    • “Driggs Digs” Plein Air paint out
  • 2013-present
    • “Driggs Digs” Plein Air paint out
  • 2013
    • One person show at Blake Hall Gallery, Idaho Falls, Idaho
    • First place in Oil at Seaside Art Gallery, Nags Head, North Carolina (Miniature Show)
    • One person show at Blake Hall Gallery, Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • 2011
    • One person show at local art gallery, Idaho Falls, Idaho
  • 2006-2010
    • Participant in Southern Virginia University Art Shows (Invitational)
  • 2009
    • Teaching workshop in Driggs, Idaho
    • Art-A-Fair Festival in Laguna Beach, California
  • 2008
    • 2nd place in “Paint Out” competition through the Art Museum of Eastern Idaho in Idaho Falls, Idaho
    • 1st place in The Northwest Plein Air Exhibition held at Mirror Pond Gallery, Bend, Oregon
    • Mural for Russian restaurant in Idaho Falls
  • 2007-present
    • “Culture and Agriculture” show in New Visions Gallery. Marshfield, Wisconsin
  • 2007
    • “Paint America” Competition Top100 and Top50mini winner
  • 2002
    • One person show at Taos Gallery in Scottsdale, Arizona
  • 2001
    • One person show at Buffalo Trail Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
  • 2000
    • Two person show at West Lives On Gallery in Jackson Hole, Wyoming
  • 1999
    • One person show at Gallery 1000 in Carmel by the Sea, California
  • 1998
    • “Top 100” at La Jolla Gallery Competition
    • Published by Bentley House
    • Finalist in art competition through The Artist’s Magazine
  • 1997
    • One person show at Sleeping Bear Gallery in Sun Valley, Idaho
    • First Place in Oil at Dixie College Art Show in St. George, Utah
  • 1996
    • Plein air workshop “Masters of Montana” through Chaparral Fine Art Gallery in Bozeman, Montana
    • Became a member of Oil Painters of America
  • 1995
    • Plein air workshop in Sun Valley, Idaho through Kneeland Gallery
  • 1994
    • Two person show at Tivoli Gallery in Salt Lake City, Utah
Art by Marina Zavalova. Sketch of a contemplative figure with bold strokes and dramatic shadows, reminiscent of Marina Zavalova's impressionist style.
Art by Marina Zavalova. An expressive oil painting by a Russian artist of a contemplative figure, immersed in shadow, with vibrant brushstrokes highlighting their profile and hands, which rest upon a surface adorned with seemingly artistic tools and
Art by Marina Zavalova. Colorful impressionist painting of a person lounging with a guitar, rendered in bold, expressive brushstrokes, capturing the essence of plein air.