Since arriving in the United States over a decade ago, master Russian artist Vadik Suljakov (pronounced Shul-ya-kov) has established himself as one of the most distinguished young impressionists in the country. Suljakov, born in the cultural center of Moscow in 1960, comes from an intellectual family with many generations of artists and writers. His parents gave him an excellent home education, which included painting by the age of seven. He continued with Russia's most rigid and traditional art education and from the age of twelve to twenty, he perfected his style. He studied at the Moscow First Art School and served apprenticeships at the Moscow Graphic Art Committee and the Moscow Art Group. In 1990, Suljakov left Russia like many other artists had done, because they were asked to tie their art to politics. He then spent a year in New York City with a group of other artists from his native Russia, working as a commercial artist. When asked how he feels about the United States, Suljakov emphatically states, "I came to America when the time was right, when I had enough experience to express my art and thought on canvas." In 1991, Suljakov relocated to sunny southern California. There, he was discovered by young art dealer Mark Siegel. Mark immediately recognized the young Russian's talent and jumped at the opportunity to represent him. Over the years, Suljakov has refined and perfected his vibrant textured style, which he achieves by using both acrylic and oils. Suljakov continues to reside in Southern California.