He was a pupil of Dmitry Levitzky and Stepan Shchukin at the Imperial Academy of Arts.

[2] Along with other artists of the period, Varnek was somewhat restricted in his choice of subject matter due to the political climate and censorship that operated, especially during the reign of Nicholas I.

Under censorship, artists were expected to be complacent about the conditions of Russian life.

"[4] He was particularly noted for his masterful drawing, his harmonious, if not particularly vivid coloring, the ability to capture a close resemblance, appropriate lighting, and in general for his conscientious execution without embellishment.

In addition, Varnek painted icons representing the Annunciation and the Four Evangelists.