Welcome to Mona Youssef’s Online Art Gallery offering original oil paintings, art reproductions and greeting cards. Commission work is welcomed. Please visit the NEW Online Art Gallery here

Although, I've a background of a warmer climate, being born in Egypt, yet, my realistic oil paintings on canvas reflect the unique characteristics of Canada. Uniquely, the four seasons have greatly, influenced me at a very young age but I did not realize why. When was very young in school, I divided a painting to four sections, each had same trees and same background but painted them in different colors of each season. I grew up and still have keeping the theme of my paintings “The four seasons”. Of course, living in Canada has enriched my experience with my main subject as we have the most beautiful four seasons. I asked myself why this theme? Painting the subject of four seasons, means much more to me than what it appears. Having travelled around the world while perceiving the surroundings, I observe the great versatilities in the universe as there is nothing entirely, typical to the other, yet the whole creation is working together in harmonious unity, supporting its elements to presents out values, different strengths and the beauty of each subject, as individual and as a whole. Subconsciously, this what I convey in my paintings, as the four seasons have different colors, temperature, appearance, yet, they perform the whole year harmoniously, transiting from season to the other season that we all enjoy. So are we, all have different abilities, qualities, talents, colors, languages and cultures, nevertheless, living in one world, each one of us adds values and beauty to our civilizations and history to enjoy life. In each of my painting has different subject, character, set of colors and feeling of its own surrounding while stands out differently from the rest, yet they all work as one body of the artwork under same theme of the four seasons.

In Canada, we enjoy watching trees change colors to embrace new temperature. Animals and birds change their homelands to find comfort, learn to adapt and enjoy new climates. So, do I believe that it should also, be part of our lives to observe, discover, learn, adjust, work in harmony, love, enjoy and admire the goodness of each one of us and of our beautiful world for we all learn from nature.

Choosing to paint oil on canvas in the realism style is my childhood passion until today. I am proudly, love to share some of statements from admirers who see my art “Pure, reflects spirit of love, has vibes, spiritual, looks like The Golden Age-all luminous and joyful, vivid as if there was no pollution, you are a true Renaissance woman“. I would quote this expression; "It took me four years to paint like Raphael, but a lifetime to paint like a child. “Pablo Picasso (October 1881- April 1973). I am not Raphael, neither am I Picasso, but would love to paint as that child who innocently, sees only purity of nature as is with all its richness. What is more beautiful than nature itself! . Thank you for the visit and I hope that you’ll enjoy it.

"As a Canadian Journalist, I have written about many noteworthy subjects, catering to the interests of various communities. I am proud to have had the opportunity to appreciate the work of Canadian Artist, Mona Youssef, whose work transcends thought and imagination from the most simple of concepts. We human often overlook the most basic beauty that surrounds us every day. Through natural light and shadows, Mona has captured the essence or reality of objects on canvas so they are impossible to ignore. Often our life is composed of what our thoughts make it. Viewing her work has given me a different perspective in which to view life. The blazing color and intricate detail's expresses how life is to be enjoyed. Pride makes us do things well, but it's love that brings them to perfection. Mona has great love to create feelings as optimism and hope, to all who view her work."

Kevin Otto, Edmonton, AB. Canada