OAKLEAF - When Oleksandra Voloboi first picked up a paintbrush a year and a half ago, she had no idea where the fresh bristles would lead her.

But still, she let the color-filled brush sweep the canvas in whatever way possible.

As a hobby turned business, Voloboi now works meticulously to craft handmade oil paintings of everything pets.

From vibrant color schemes and gradients, she said her work is as realistic as it gets–and self-taught.

Voloboi said her love for painting and drawing began when she moved to the United States almost four years ago. Born in Ukraine, she arrived as a foreign exchange student studying software engineering.

As a previous graphic designer and illustrator, art has always been a part of Voloboi’s life in more ways than one. But, she said she had never considered herself an expert.

“I was [in] software engineering, never an artist,” Voloboi said.

It wasn’t until her husband gifted her their golden retriever puppy, Richard. She said watching him grow up quickly inspired her to craft an oil portrait of him–a personal snapshot of the "precious moments in life."

 That’s when she said she garnered a newfound skill. In what was her first pet portrait, Voloboi said she learned it all on her own. Proud of how it came out, she said she continued to practice her skills. 

She began by simply making a grid on the photo and her canvas, visualizing the picture, drawing them by hand, and memorizing color mixes. 

Once venturing further into the realistic aspect of her artwork, she said she began researching.

“I learned a lot of different ways in traditional [and] old ways,” she said. “I bought a lot of books, and I started to read.”

But, although reading books by other artists gave her knowledge, she said nothing beats making pieces just by freely using her mind and paintbrush.

“When I choose to become like them and from their book, I just lose myself,” she said.

An avid animal lover, she continued into book characters, art prints, bookmarks, hardcover notebook journals, phone cases and even pencil drawings.

She said others would think it is difficult, but she finds it relaxing and peaceful. 

“It’s my meditation,” she said. “Some people think it’s crazy because it’s very difficult, [filled with] anxiety. But, for me, it’s like meditation.” 

Two months ago, Voloboi began her first Etsy Shop, Art by Alex Wolly. She said seeing her customers' faces when they receive their artwork is amazing.

By simply receiving a good-quality picture of her customer’s pet, Voloboi said she could do a couple of sketches to show them beforehand.

 She moves on to the real deal using her quality canvases if they like it. 

Voloboi said she initially started using acrylic paint, but making her art look realistic became difficult as the paint dried too fast. Her work dries slower using traditional oil paint, allowing for more detailed transitions and color schemes. 

She said she worked on her pet portraits for around three weeks.

She said she feels a deep responsibility with everything she’s tasked with, giving her clients access to the entire process and sending video and photo updates along the journey.

A perfectionist, she said, can sometimes be a challenge. But the result is always worth it. 

“When I finish, I feel like ‘Oh, my God, it’s like [a] marathon,' I feel so exhausted, but I feel so good. [That’s my] favorite part.” 

Voloboi said she credits her husband for his support and hard work in enabling her to achieve her dream and giving her that golden retriever all those years ago–the inspiration behind her artistic ventures. 

With large followings on social media and going by the username Alexandra Wolly, Voloboi said she’s excited to continue getting her name out there. I have even recently become involved with the Art Guild of Orange Park. 

For the future, Voloboi said she wants to produce some galleries and eventually expand into celebrity portraits, painting a forever snapshot of some famous faces. 

“I want to grow in this,” she said. 

She said she has big dreams for the future and hopes to get there one "pawfect" pet at a time. 

For anyone interested in her work, Voloboi said she is available for contact at alexandrawolly.artist@gmail.com.