Alyssa Baresinkoff

I’m a self-taught artist with a lifelong love of creating. As a child, I was constantly doodling, sketching, and eventually exploring acrylic painting. Although art was always part of my life, I initially pursued a career as a hairstylist, a profession I loved for over a decade before physical limitations led me in a new direction. After becoming a mom, I found myself craving a creative outlet—something that would fill my cup while fitting into the beautiful chaos of raising children. I needed something I could easily pick up and put down without making a huge mess. As it turns out, watercolours were the perfect fit! What started as a creative escape quickly became a passion. I immersed myself in learning everything I could, devouring books, tutorials, and videos, and experimenting endlessly with techniques. I was particularly determined to master portrait painting. After months of practice, persistence, and plenty of trial and error, I finally began creating work I was truly proud of. That passion eventually grew into a career. I began accepting commissions for watercolour portraits of people and pets, gradually expanding my skills, subjects, and artistic style. Over time, I also developed a love for creating large-scale watercolour paintings, pushing beyond the smaller formats traditionally associated with the medium. Today, I run my own creative business, Bare Brush Studio, where I create original artwork, take on custom commissions, explore new artistic techniques, and teach others to discover their own creativity. My work ranges from detailed, expressive portraits to whimsical, atmospheric illustrations. I love experimenting with different subjects, styles, and creative challenges, and I’m always excited by opportunities to bring someone else’s vision to life. Being self-taught has shaped the way I approach art. I’m endlessly curious, constantly learning, and never afraid to tackle something new. For me, creating art isn’t just about the finished piece—it’s about exploring possibilities, telling stories, and bringing ideas to life.