The first art lesson Ivan received at the age of 8 from the family neighbor, professional artist. That lesson hooked Ivan up with visual arts for life. "When I was looking at the paintings on his walls, I thought to myself that this is the ultimate visual language that I want to learn, because I have something to say through that language".
Ivan studied at the Atelier, Minneapolis, where he was trained in the style of the Old Masters. The Atelier's traditions date back to the 19th century European Academies and are influenced by the French Impressionists. He enriched his education by taking classes and workshops with nationally recognized plein-air painters, doing museum studies throughout the country and studying intaglio and fresco techniques.
At this time, Ivan lives and runs a studio in Minneapolis, MN.