Yarkin graduated in 1966 from Savitsky Art School (Penza) and in 1974 graduated with honours the Academy of Art in Leningrad. In 1976-1979 he worked in the studio of the Academy under the supervision of the People's Artist, academician V. M. Oreshnikov. In 1979 was invited to the marine painters' studio of the Navy. Yarkin created more than 50 paintings depicting the history of the Soviet navy and its life. Many of them are in funds and expositions of Russian and foreign museums.
