"Oceanside" Painting

I was born in 1974 in Riga,Latvia in an artist's family. I received classical art training at Janis Rozental's high school of Art and in the Art Academy of Latvia with BFA(1996) and MFA(2001). I first started to participate in gallery shows in 1992, when I was 18 years old. Before moving to Canada I exhibited in Riga, Berlin, Prague and Rome. I immigrated to Canada in 2002 and since then have exhibited in Toronto,Ottawa and now in Vancouver. I became Canadian citizen in 2007. From 2006-2012 I worked with Buckland Southerst gallery in West Vancouver.I had 3 successful,sold out solo shows with this gallery(in 2006,2007,2008). I live in Vancouver with my husband,daughter and son. I'm influenced by architecture,interested in light,form and colour. I work in abstract and realism style.I have gotten used to this duality of self expression during years. Abstract painting probably comes from the fact,that I always wanted to be an architect,but never pursued this dream.It reflects structured side of me. Realism is equally natural for me-I received very classical art education from early age of twelve at Janis Rozental's Art School in Riga and later in Latvian Academy of Art's in Riga. Coming from the country where summers are short and often rainy I was always inspired by bright sunlight of southern countries-Italy,Spain,Mexico,states like California and Florida. I try to capture that bright light in my paintings. I have great admiration for Mid -Century modern architecture.It provides me endless inspiration. I also have always been fascinated by surf and skateboard culture.My father introduced me to skateboarding and sailing at the age of 8. My paintings can be found in many private collections in Latvia,Germany,Sweden,Russia,Italy,U.K.,Australia,New Zealand,U.S.A.,Canada,Hong Kong,Poland,Portugal ,China and France. You can read my 2012 interview to Saatchi Art Blog here: