About me

My name is Ruyina Anani-Epoke.I was born/ raised in Calabar- Nigeria, and currently reside in the UK with my family.I am an artist who has been drawing/ sketching (sporadically) since childhood; I often made comics, pencil drawings, digital, charcoal and pastel art.
I was able to easily translate my original fashion illustrations to beautifully made-by-me outfits which I presented on the runway at my fashion school graduation in 2018. My illustrations-turned-outfits have also won me the two fashion competitions I competed in, in 2017/2018.
I picked up a brush to do an oil painting for the first time, in 2019.I have over time challenged myself to make art in several media (such as digital, acrylics, paint carving,
charcoal/ pastels, coloured pencils, ink) and now realise that my love lies in oils and coloured pencils.Having studied and practised as a Medical Radiographer for a number of years (specialising in Interventional/Cardiac Radiography since 2021), I
have finally succumbed to the Artist’s side. I began to participate in gallery group exhibitions in 2024, but I ultimately find solace in my tiny little studio.
I do enjoy participating in life drawing sessions held around Manchester; these sessions keep my muscle memory alive while also letting me interact with fellow creatives.I draw inspiration from music, books and my toddler, and I’m an avid audiobook listener.When I look to painters who came before me, for further insight and inspiration, I look at works of Sargent, Bouguereau, Juliette Aristides whose texts in classical painting I have consumed and practised.Even though I wasn’t born in Boney M.’s prime years, I still wish I was a part of their musical band.I find the convolution of fabric folds intriguing.My painting interests often revolve around still life, animals and art depicting the human nature.
My style is continually evolving; I’m currently exploring style/ technique with the use of a palette knife.I intend for my art to remind the observer of a familiar experience. I want to be able to step away
from my work so that the observer thinks of their interpretation of it rather than mine.

Stories on Canvas

2025 EVOLUTION ALBUM

Folds

Stippling Pen Art

PET PORTRAITS —(click)— >>

Journal-Pad

Here, you'll find some current and previous, serious and unserious, tethered and untethered work that didn't make it to the 'Stories on Canvas' page.
Media: Oil/ Pencil/ Pastel/Charcoal
Made on: Canvas/ Canvas pad/ Sketchbook/ Paper

Anatomical/Radiographical Illustrations, Studies & Comics

Sketching the human skull with graphite pencil + background noise
Digitally labelling the anterior view of the skull on Autodesk Sketchpad
Digitally labelling the skull in profile, on Autodesk Sketchpad
Unmasking layers of digital illustration + labelling of the muscles of mastication, done onto a traditionally sketched skull in
Quick study of Vermeer's 'Girl With the Pearl Earring'
Working on a strawberry atop a cupcake using Faber-Castell Polychromos coloured pencils

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