Elvira Baranova

I was born in Vologda, North of Russia. Art has been a part of my life since childhood. For many years I have lived in several European countries and worked in the traditional 2D animation and illustration before returning to painting.I moved to New Zealand in 1998 and was working as a animator, illustrater for several animation studios in Wellington and same time has experimented in different mediums and techniques (watercolor and acrylic with oil) as a painter. My piece has a slightly surreal flavour. Inspired by the world's myths, fables, and tales of imagination I'm desires to create works that will 'delight' or 'enchant' the viewer. I wants my work to add up to more than a beautiful if sometimes 'magical' looking work of art. In 2010 I was awarded a for the Best Water Colour at the Rodney District Art Awards 2010.

I studied painting, book illustration and animation at Republican College of Art, the Polytechnic University and the Artists Animator's Course at Kiev, Ukraine. My first solo exhibition was held at the McGregor Wright Gallery in Wellington, 2001. Since that time I'm regular exhibitor a the New Zealand Academy of Fine Arts and Wellington's array of galleries and organisations. My painting are in private collections both within New Zealand and around the world. In 2004 I completed Diploma of Multimedia at the Natcoll Design Technology of Wellington and was employed as a 2D and 3D Matte/Digital Painter, storyboader, character designer, art concept artist for Huhu Studios and graphic design artist in the online gaming industry while continuing to pursue my own work as a painter. Since 2009 I has worked as a full time, professional artist.,