Instructor

Apart from many artists, I wasn’t a child who showed talent from the first age, and my first scribbles were just scribbles, and nothing else.

Did I like art? Yes. Did I know that I’d become an artist? No. Did I want it? Yes. Did I believe in it? No.

I was a very smart girl with deep interests and talents in math and science, and experiments and loved creating things with my hands. I didn’t have a chance to attend an art school. I made a practical choice, got my Master’s Degree in finance and built a good career as an investment analyst. But I am what I am, and hiding from myself can’t become a long-term strategy.

In 2005, as soon as I found an academic fundamental art school for adults in St. Petersburg, Russia, I started taking classes. Just to learn, without any ambitions. Painting turned into my obsession: it was never enough and was always in my mind. In 2009, when I moved to Canada and settled down in Vancouver, BC, I opened my art studio with RUSART Fine Arts name, where I have been teaching arts to children and adults.

Although some people think I’m “fluent” in almost any medium, my favourite remains oil painting that gives me the full sensation of colours: texture, chroma, glazing… everything. Since 2010 I participated in dozens of art shows (group and solo, juried and open) and got rewards and mentions in the press and radio. I helped to prepare many successful portfolios and I’m happy to raise the next generation of artists giving them a solid foundation in art.

Unfortunately, in 2020 pandemic hit the world and ruined many plans for exhibitions and art shows. I was washed out with the first lockdown and had to close all my art schools in BC in April 2020. I switched to teaching online, but it’s not the same as in-person classes. In 2021, my family and I moved to Gatineau, QC, and I’m here to share my knowledge and skills with anyone who’s interested.

Visit my artist’s website to see what I’m doing – ElenaNL.com

Welcome to my lessons!

Please, email elena@rusart.ca with any questions or inquiries you have.