Katerina Mertikas (née: Patrinos) is a self-taught artist who was born in Tripoli, Greece. She and her family immigrated to Canada in the early 60’s. She has had a prolific art career spanning many years, characterized by vibrant acrylic paintings that depict nostalgic and joyous scenes. Her artwork mainly features children engaged in playful and imaginative activities.
Her spontaneous and fluid style captured in bright, bold acrylics, has become an easily identifiable and well-loved mainstay in the Canadian art landscape.
“I love vivid colours. I love the feeling that painting creates within me—especially when I’m bringing to life the joy and excitement of children. I try to capture life’s happiest and most special moments on every canvas I paint.”
Mertikas’ work is sold in galleries across Canada. She has been fortunate to have many radio, TV guest appearances, newspaper and magazine articles printed about her unique style that has such a vast following of fans.
Her artwork has been featured on numerous products, including puzzles, books, advent calendars and many greeting cards.
As a devoted family person, Katerina prioritizes her loved ones, including her husband, two daughters and considers herself blessed to also have 5 grandchildren ranging from 10 to 20 years old.
Katerina has made art donations and rights for reproduction to benefit a variety of causes dear to her heart, cancer research, lung association, UNICEF, hospitals, children’s aid and many more such causes. Being a benevolent person and giving to the society is a wonderful feeling for her. In 1999 Mertikas was honoured with a “Women of Distinction” award in the arts category; she was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts in 2000.
Katerina has also had many art workshops that she gives when asked by galleries, schools, and work places. Everyone is delighted to complete a piece based on Katerina’s style.
