Artist Bio 

Ozlem is a Maryland-based artist whose journey into the world of fine art is anything but conventional. Unlike most artists, her background is rooted in technology rather than liberal arts. After earning a B.S. in Business Administration, Ozlem pursued an M.S. in Information Technology from Johns Hopkins University. Earlier in her career, she found a creative outlet in graphic design, web design, and development.

Ozlem grew up in Istanbul, Turkiye, a city full of history, culture, and art that fostered her love for the arts at a young age. Her interest in art began in high school, where she took drawing classes. Over the years, she experimented with watercolor, acrylics, and water-mixable oils. However, it wasn’t until 2022 that she began painting with traditional oils, marking a significant turning point in her artistic journey.

Ozlem is currently studying traditional oil painting techniques under the mentorship of Matt Zoll at the Zoll Studio School of Fine Art in Baltimore, Maryland. Her dedication to the arts has led her to exhibit her work in a variety of venues, including juried exhibitions. Her paintings have been featured at the Manor Mill Gallery in Maryland, the Artists' Gallery of Ellicott City, The Miniature Painters, Sculptors & Gravers Society of Washington, D.C.'s International Exhibition of Fine Art in Miniature, the International Miniature Art Show at the Seaside Art Gallery in North Carolina, and the HoCo Open 2024 in Ellicott City, Maryland, where she received an Honorable Mention.

Ozlem specializes in still life, drawing inspiration from everyday objects and capturing the beauty of fruits, flowers, and animals. She also enjoys painting landscapes, adding diversity to her artwork portfolio. Her work reflects a deep appreciation for the simple, yet profound beauty found in the world around us.

You can view more of her paintings at ozlemtasel.com and follow her on Instagram at @ozlem_tasel for updates and new work.