SPOTLIGHT: Author, Poet & Oil Painter Begins Teaching at Naperville Art League in January 2026
- Lynne Kornecki
- 5 hours ago
- 3 min read
BLUE GIFT, oil painting by Victoria Derin Isikman. Scroll down to view more of Victoria's art...
If ever there was a Renaissance Woman, it's Victoria Derin Işıkman. Award-winning documentary film maker, fine artist, author, poetess, gallery and art school owner, entrepreneur, curator, and overall fascinating person, her many international experiences have crafted her into a highly gifted individual eager to share her many gifts.
Born in Istanbul, Turkey and shaped by years in France, Brazil, and across Europe, Victoria describes her artwork as expressive impressionist. Her favorite medium -- oil. Skillfully she blends impressionistic landscapes, textured abstracts, and symbolic imagery for a dynamic portfolio of work. Her canvases explore emotional and spiritual themes—renewal, memory, belonging, and the return to one’s inner self.
Her latest book is a collection of her inspirational poetry paired with her own paintings called WHISPERS OF THE HEART -- A Journey through Color and Verse Unveiled. It is available on AMAZON.com.
Here's one of the poems -- HIDDEN DOOR -- included in the book:
"Unlock the hidden door within you, a gateway to your true potential. Are you ready to step through and embark on a journey of transformation: On the other side lies a new you, full of possibilities and dreams waiting to be realized. Embrace this moment, take a deep breath, and let the adventure begin."
Her previous book, based on personal experiences, is titled, PHOENIX IN ME-- A Journey of Resilience and Love. It begins with the inspiring story of a brave and curious young woman who explores diverse cultures by traveling the world with her partner. Behind her magical love story lay untold pain and sorrow. It's a narrative with a universal theme that will resonate with many women; and that we all have the ability to rise from the ashes like a phoenix,
“Through my travels and many international experiences, I have learned that being an artist is really all about culturally contributing to your society,” Victoria observes.
Now residing in the Chicago suburbs, she is eager to plant roots and start teaching here. Leading adult students to connect with their creativity, she will soon be offering “Creative Flow” classes at the Naperville Art League beginning January 10, 2026. Additionally, she curates private art events and offers corporate event packages such as team building using her creative flow techniques as a bridge for interaction within the workplace.
Her new classes at Naperville Art League are titled: Creative Flow – Connect with Your Creativity. Adult students can enroll for four weekly, two-hour sessions. No experience necessary and all supplies are included each week. Naperville Art League is located at 508 N. Center Street in Naperville, IL and registration is online at: Victoria gently guides her students into Creative Flow through simple warm-ups, expressive mark-making, color play, and mixed-media exploration. Each week focuses on a feeling or theme—such as calm, joy, or resilience—where students learn to express themselves through abstract forms without pressure or self-judgment.
“The key to these classes is for students to practice trusting their impulses, loosening perfectionism, and allowing creativity to unfold naturally,” she explains.
Sounds like a solid road map for many artists to implement -- experienced and beginner!
Learn more here: www.victoriasfineart.com/
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SURREAL PLAYGROUND IN THE WINDY CITY
BLUE MOON IN CHICAGO
BLUE WAVES
BIRCH TREES
WHISPERS OF WHITE LILIES
SUNFLOWERS
