“Art is to love, loving nature surrounding me and people I share my world with.”
©Mona Youssef
Mona Youssef's artistic journey began in childhood, guided by a deep passion for painting. Her first oil painting was sold at the age of 12—a pivotal moment that marked the beginning of her professional path. Driven by an innate desire to create, she embraced realism oil painting, dedicating her life to capturing the beauty of nature, human spirit, and historical moments.
Youssef's realism style quickly garnered attention from critics, collectors, and international audiences. Her artwork has reached royal families, including the late Prime Minister of Canada Pierre Elliott Trudeau, and features subjects such as Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth II. One of her most iconic works, The Canadian Constitution Acts (1982), became part of Canadian history and still hangs in Trudeau’s Montreal residence. She received a thank-you letter from him in 1999—a moment she cherishes deeply.
Nicknamed "the Daughter of the Nile" but seeing herself as "the Daughter of Nature," Mona finds inspiration in the natural world, which she describes as her lifelong oxygen. Her attention to detail and realism stems from early frustration in school with watercolor, which pushed her to master precision through oil painting.
Alongside painting, Mona pursued studies in interior and exterior design, graphic arts, commercial arts, digital media, and business administration. She worked as a graphic artist, layout designer, architectural drafts person, and art juror. These multifaceted experiences enriched her artistic expression and technical precision.
Mona Youssef has exhibited her work locally, nationally, and internationally. She has received numerous awards, including one named in her honor: The Mona Youssef–Leonardo da Vinci Award. Her work has appeared in global art publications and has been sold through galleries and fundraising exhibitions (e.g., for the Canadian Opera).
For Youssef, art is more than a profession—it is a manifestation of love and a universal language. She believes that art reflects culture, history, and civilization, capable of uniting people and expressing deep compassion. Her ultimate joy lies in painting, a space where she connects with her inner self and the world around her.
She has also shared her passion through teaching private art lessons, helping young artists find their voice. Many of her students have succeeded in art schools and careers.
"Painting became my career when I learned to let go. Art is love, and when we love what we do wholeheartedly, it transcends boundaries and speaks to the soul."
— Mona Youssef