Member since Wednesday 4th Feb, 2015
Adelina Canolli, born in Pristina, relocated to England during her adolescent years, where she currently resides and works as a professional artist. From a young age, she exhibited a strong passion for the arts, which later became the foundation of her career.
She pursued her education in Art and Design, specializing in Fine Arts at the Arts University in Leeds. Her dedication and talent led her to further her studies, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Art followed by a Master’s in Design from Leeds Beckett University. Throughout her academic journey, Adelina refined her artistic skills and explored various techniques, which significantly shaped her distinctive artistic style.
In 2000, she achieved a significant milestone in her career by holding her inaugural solo exhibition at the Town Hall in Leeds. This event marked the beginning of her public recognition as an emerging artist. During the same year, she received her first portrait commission, portraying Leeds Lord Mayor Keith Parker. This opportunity not only showcased her talent in portraiture but also established her as a skilled and sought-after artist within the community.
Over the past few years, Adelina has gained national and international recognition for her work, earning a place among the most promising contemporary artists. She has been shortlisted for various prestigious prizes, including Sky Portrait Artist of the Year (Series 8, 2021), ING Discerning Eye (2020), Ruth Borchard Self-Portrait Prize (2019), Artists of the Year (2019, A&I), and the Derwent Art Prize (2018). Her ability to capture emotion and detail in her artwork has earned her widespread acclaim. She has also been consistently recognized by the UKCPS (United Kingdom Coloured Pencil Society), receiving the Highly Commended Award for Artistic Excellence.
Adelina’s artistic achievements continued to grow in recent years. In 2023, her work was selected for the prestigious Leeds Artists Show, an exhibition held at Leeds City Art Galler