PRODIY
Maltseva Masterclass
Esteemed nail artist, ELENA MALTSEVA, shares how to create the mixed media elements of her Nailympia 2026 campaign design
About Elena Maltseva
Elena boasts over 25 years’ nail industry experience and works as an international educator, coach and competition judge. She is a three-time nail art world champion and runs online courses, specialising in hand-painting, mixed media art and 3D acrylic sculpting.
www.nailartacademy.online
/elena.maltseva.7792 @elena_maltseva_nail
Colourful & creative heart nail art
Alongside being featured on an extreme nail within the
Nailympia
2026 campaign imagery, this stylised heart-shaped element could be used as a pendant, brooch or hair clip. Let’s explore the avant-garde techniques used to bring the striking look to life…
Step 1
Apply thin layers of various neon L&P acrylic colours to the surface of two almond or short stiletto-shaped nail tips. To achieve the fluid consistency required for this step, use a 1:1 liquid to powder ratio.
Step 2
Use black L&P acrylic and a round acrylic brush to paint abstract patterns across the tips, keeping them as flat as possible. Alternatively, you can use gel paint or paste.
Step 3
Paint inside the black patterns using gold and silver L&P acrylic shades, leaving a thin outline.
Step 4
Create an abstract heart shape on glossy paper or the backing paper of a nail form, using clear or white L&P acrylic. Aim for a thickness of 2.5-3mm.
Step 5
Fix the nail tips onto the acrylic heart while it’s still pliable, using nail glue or clear L&P acrylic.
Step 6
Gently paint blocks of bright L&P acrylic colours on the visible areas of the heart in thin layers. Using the gradient technique, carefully blend the hues to create a rainbow ombré effect.
Step 7
Use black gel paint or paste and a fine liner brush to add veins across the surface of the heart, subtly adjusting the brush pressure throughout. Cure.
Step 8
Create dimension by incorporating highlights across the colourful sections of the heart, using white L&P acrylic. Blend the highlights out very gently, maintaining the sequence and angle of shading.
Step 9
Apply LED-curable top coats to finish: a glossy no-cleanse top coat for the nail tips and a matte no-cleanse top coat for the heart. Cure.