Though drawing wasn’t initially considered a viable career path, life had other plans. After years in the restaurant industry, the artist returned to her passion, dedicating herself to professionally learning academic drawing and various techniques. She began preparatory courses at the Latvian Academy of Arts in 2010, followed by graduation from the summer school of the St. Petersburg I. Repin Academy of Fine Arts in 2012, and continued studies with Latvian artist and teacher Ludmila Perec until 2015.
Graphite, pastels, watercolor, and charcoal—each medium has unlocked new artistic nuances and expanded the boundaries of her expression.
A turning point arrived with the depiction of Forrest, her Weimaraner bird dog, who brought immense joy to her life. “Thank you Forrestam, I met my love, quit a job that no longer inspired me, moved from the city to the countryside and finally devoted myself completely to what I love the most – drawing animals,” she recalls.
Today, her home studio is a haven of tranquility, shared with Forrestam and a feline companion, Mathis (named in honor of the French artist Henri Matisse). Both animals play a vital role in her daily life, serving as both inspiration and subjects for her work.
Clients frequently commission animal portraits that aim to capture the unique personality of their pets. This process requires thorough research—studying photographs, listening to stories, and gathering detailed descriptions. The eyes, she emphasizes, are paramount. They reveal the character, mood, and emotions of the animal. Even imperfect photos can yield compelling results when combined with the owner’s heartfelt narrative. In recent years, she’s become particularly captivated by Irish wolfhounds, admiring their ancient nobility and remarkable expressiveness. “They are not people, but they are certainly not just dogs either,” she says with a smile. The expressions in their eyes—ranging from bewilderment to solemn wisdom—are endlessly captivating, seeming to hold stories drawn from legend. She believes that owners of Irish wolfhounds possess a special quality themselves—honesty, love, and responsibility, perfectly matched to their majestic companions.
An exhibition titled Eyes that speak at the Museum of Local History and Art in Madona will showcase portraits where animals connect with viewers through their gaze, revealing their essence and inspiring understanding. Each portrait represents a personal story, and every look initiates a dialogue. The exhibition will also incorporate hunting trophies from the Madona region, adding context to several of the artist’s drawings.
