About

Short Bio

Mika Denny, an award-winning artist from Southern California, creates mixed-media portraits that blend realism and expression, capturing emotion and dramatic light.

Statement

I can't remember a time when I didn't love to draw. It's ingrained in my soul. Although I consider myself a creative explorer, for the past six years, I have been exclusively focused on figurative art. My portraits lean towards realism but when I am up close creating the work it feels abstract to me. All these small shapes and marks blend together to make my portraits come to life; and yet I don't want them to look hyper realistic. I want the viewer to know it's art and not a photo. I strive to represent diversity in my art and seek subjects that are unique and represent all facets of humankind. I want my portraits to inspire a desire for human connection and comprehension.

Biography

Mika Denny is an award-winning, figurative artist based in Southern California. Mika (pronounced Meeka) was awarded a 4-year scholarship from the Festival of Arts in Laguna Beach to pursue a creative arts degree. Her mixed-media portraits capture emotion and dramatic light leaving the viewer wanting to know more about the subject. Her aesthetic leans towards realism, but her approach retains an expressive style. Her work has been juried into multiple national exhibitions including: American Women Artists 2023 Museum Exhibit, Martha’s Vineyard Drawing Prize, O’Hanlon Center for the Arts “Women Artists Making Their Mark" and “Brand 50”: National Juried Exhibition of Works on Paper. Recently Mika’s pastel and charcoal drawing was selected as a finalist for “Strokes of Genius 15 | The Best of Drawing” and published in the Artists Magazine. 

Resume / CV