Vanaja Cotroneo
Vanaja Cotroneo
Oil
Acrylic
Vanaja Cotroneo began painting while working full-time, but it wasn’t until 1995 that she pursued it seriously. After overcoming a life-changing accident in 1996, she returned to painting in 1998, embracing it as both a passion and a means of storytelling.
Her artistic education includes studies at the Haliburton School of the Arts, Loyalist College, and portraiture classes at OCAD.
Vanaja’s work is a visual narrative inspired by her extensive travels. Whether capturing fleeting moments, the beauty of nature, or the brilliance of forests, florals, and the ocean, her paintings reflect a deep connection to the world around her. She also creates pet portraits, donating a portion to charitable causes.
Her work has been exhibited in numerous shows and won several awards, including the Third Prize in the prestigious 2023 Elora Plein Air Competition, Gold Prize (COAA) 2024, Best Oil (COAA) 2022, Best Acrylic (AGS) 2024. Vanaja serves as Exhibition Chair on the Executive of the Art Guild of Scarborough and is also a member of four other art organizations.
Additionally, she has had the honor of judging the following art competitions:
• The Children’s Painting Competition for Freedom ‘24 by New Horizon Media Arts (May 2024)
• Panorama India’s Art Competition (July 2024)
Website: Vanaja-Fineart.com
Acrylic
Vanaja Cotroneo began painting while working full-time, but it wasn’t until 1995 that she pursued it seriously. After overcoming a life-changing accident in 1996, she returned to painting in 1998, embracing it as both a passion and a means of storytelling.
Her artistic education includes studies at the Haliburton School of the Arts, Loyalist College, and portraiture classes at OCAD.
Vanaja’s work is a visual narrative inspired by her extensive travels. Whether capturing fleeting moments, the beauty of nature, or the brilliance of forests, florals, and the ocean, her paintings reflect a deep connection to the world around her. She also creates pet portraits, donating a portion to charitable causes.
Her work has been exhibited in numerous shows and won several awards, including the Third Prize in the prestigious 2023 Elora Plein Air Competition, Gold Prize (COAA) 2024, Best Oil (COAA) 2022, Best Acrylic (AGS) 2024. Vanaja serves as Exhibition Chair on the Executive of the Art Guild of Scarborough and is also a member of four other art organizations.
Additionally, she has had the honor of judging the following art competitions:
• The Children’s Painting Competition for Freedom ‘24 by New Horizon Media Arts (May 2024)
• Panorama India’s Art Competition (July 2024)
Website: Vanaja-Fineart.com
ARTIST STATEMENT
My adventurous spirit has taken me to many beautiful places—and when I paint, I get to return to them. Through brushstrokes and colour, I relive the sounds, scents, and feelings of those moments. Closer to home, the natural beauty of Ontario—its lakes, forests, and parks—continues to inspire me deeply. Along my journey, I’ve been fortunate to learn from several well-known artists whose guidance has helped me refine my technique and deepen my creative expression.
I paint vibrant, uplifting landscapes, seascapes, and florals in oils and acrylics. My process involves building up transparent layers with short, deliberate brushstrokes, finishing with bold, opaque colour to bring the scene to life. Time disappears when I’m painting—whether I’m using a brush or a palette knife. The vivid energy of acrylics and the buttery texture of oils transport me to another place entirely.
Through my art, I invite you to come along on these journeys—to feel the joy, the awe, and that unmistakable spark of wonder that nature so generously offers.
My adventurous spirit has taken me to many beautiful places—and when I paint, I get to return to them. Through brushstrokes and colour, I relive the sounds, scents, and feelings of those moments. Closer to home, the natural beauty of Ontario—its lakes, forests, and parks—continues to inspire me deeply. Along my journey, I’ve been fortunate to learn from several well-known artists whose guidance has helped me refine my technique and deepen my creative expression.
I paint vibrant, uplifting landscapes, seascapes, and florals in oils and acrylics. My process involves building up transparent layers with short, deliberate brushstrokes, finishing with bold, opaque colour to bring the scene to life. Time disappears when I’m painting—whether I’m using a brush or a palette knife. The vivid energy of acrylics and the buttery texture of oils transport me to another place entirely.
Through my art, I invite you to come along on these journeys—to feel the joy, the awe, and that unmistakable spark of wonder that nature so generously offers.