I am a self-taught artist who is still learning

Artwork by Umut Sungur

My name is Umut. In my language Umut means Hope and according to artist Gerhard Richter “Art is the highest form of hope”. Art is another way of expressing your feelings, thoughts, hopes and dreams.

I live in Istanbul, Turkey. I have 2 sons from whom I learn a lot about being creative and they challenge me by the way they see, interpret colors, forms, paintings… I am happy that they are growing in an environment where they can express themselves orally, in writing and by using art.

I am a self-taught artist who is still learning and I know there is a lot to learn. My journey started 6 years ago. I wanted to learn sculpting but I discovered that you have to have a sound base. So I attended drawing classes and then studied oil painting in different courses. Finally I had the chance to study with an internationally well known Turkish oil painter Ertugrul Ateş in his studio.

I am painting classic style but my challenge is to create my own style. But in my perfectionist way of looking I believe in mastering on the basic styles is essential in order to develop your own style. I want to fill the gaps in my knowledge to go forward and to go beyond myself. I am continually watching videos, reading books and articles on art.

Old Masters Academy will help me in achieving my goal and can add artistically a lot to me and to my style during my journey. I am very happy that I started this journey and I think what makes life interesting, joyful, energetic, exciting…. is not the destination but the paths we follow during our journey.

umutsungur.com