About Us

Welcome to Bolonenkov Art.

Bolonenkov Art was established in 2009 by an artist, Marina Castellanos in honor of her late father Nikolai Bolonenkov, who was her inspiration and also an artist. Marina chose her maiden name to sign her art with, as a way to stay connected to her father and keep his name alive.

Nikolai passed away when Marina was only 6 months old and her wish to know him and feel closer to him encouraged her to start drawing at age 12.

In 2009, Marina's husband Frank purchased her her very first set of brushes and acrylic paint as he said: "You draw everything in  black and white. Want to try to add some color to your art? Just have some fun and see how you like it." Marina started painting that day, at age 26 and never stopped ever since. 

First painting was painted in 2009.

Why art?

"Art is a way to process my traumas and express different life stages onto canvas. Colors are often used to share my state of mind and mood. It is a way to bring out what is hurting, healing, worrying or hoping about to the surface. Acknowledging that pain, loss, uncertainty and change is guaranteed and a normal part of life in every human being has helped me see myself as a survivor. Working towards a better version of myself by learning to love and forgive myself through EMDR therapy, dozens of self-help books and educating myself about human phycology, while living in gratitude every day. I hope that some of my life stories shared through art can inspire others to start healing in their life journeys as well. You are not a prisoner of your past, but have an opportunity to be the designer of your future and create the most beautiful life. Be the guiding light for others, break generational cycles and reclaim your love for life." - Marina