Katerina Mertikas (née: Patrinos) is a self-taught artist who was born in Tripoli, Greece. She and her family immigrated to Canada in the early 60's, first to Montreal and then to Ottawa.

Her two daughters were originally the inspiration for her work, and these days it's her grandchildren whose energy and playfulness is often depicted in her paintings. Mertikas had her first show in Montreal, in 1991 and has been showing ever since across Canada; she has had many successful art shows.

Her spontaneous and fluid style captured in bright, bold acrylics, has become an easily identifiable and well-loved mainstay in the Canadian art landscape. Mertikas captures emotions and memories through her work; children at play are her favourite subjects.

Mertikas classifies her work as naïve expressionism, and focuses on conveying messages of love, peace, innocence, and friendship. She says: “I love vivid colours. I love the feeling that painting creates within me-especially when I'm bringing to life the joy and excitement of children. I try to capture life's happiest and most special moments on every canvas I paint.”

Mertikas is also passionate about giving back and is thrilled when her work can be used toward helping important causes. UNICEF, the Canadian Lung Association, Juvenile Diabetes Association and many others use Mertikas' images on cards, stamps, and calendars all used to raise funds for their charities.

In 1999 Mertikas was honoured with a “Women of Distinction” award in the arts category; she was also elected as a Fellow of the Royal Society of the Arts in 2000. 2013 is a very special year for Katerina: Hallmark Canada has selected 3 of her works to be sold across Canada and beyond, and there is also another UNICEF card coming out in the fall.

Mertikas' work is sold in galleries across Canada. She has been fortunate to have many radio, TV guest appearances and newspaper and magazine articles printed about her unique style that has such a vast following of fans.