The former president

I had this painting in mind for a while (read a couple of years), but it never seemed a good time or good reason.

Yesterday I wanted to start a portrait for my cousin, but could not find the reference photos, they are somewhere in limbo between the new and old phone. So I decided that it was time to do a portrait of the former president of Latvia, Vaira Vīķe-Freiberga. She was elected President of Latvia in 1999 and re-elected in 2003 for the second term. An amazing woman!

She is wearing a national costume in the portrait.

Time lakpse YouTube video accessible here: https://youtu.be/5hwlzUaxATA

Inspired by Game of Thrones

The new season of the cult series just started. I can't say that I am a huge fan of Game of Thrones, but I do glance at the screen now and then, when GOT is on. Look, I even used the abbreviation  like a pro :D

One of my biggest challenges in painting is to choose a subject. That probably is the reason why I like doing commission work ;) - the subject is provided beforehand!

Alla prima painting of Khaleesi.
16 x 16 cm
Oil on canvas.

You might notice that this portrait is some what similar to the one in the previous post. First- it's the same size and second - I used the same color palette. This size is very unusual for me actually, but I am enjoying it- as painting can be finished in one session within 3h.

Here is a time lapse video of first part of the painting process: https://youtu.be/hZrAQRxVZbA

Solo Exhibition!!!

My first Solo Exhibition is running!!! I'm so gratefull to all the people that helped me to get this far. Special thanks to my family who supported me even though they live on the other side of the Globe!

My first exhibition is organized in Gaujiena where my parents live and it is also the place I call home!

In the mean time my husband travels Africa on his BMW motirbike. More info: www.1man1bike1adventure.blogspot.com

Painting famous people

After painting Angelina Jolie and sketching Kate Middleton, I decided to try some more famous people. It did turn out to be quite a daunting task, especially the choice of the person.

Here are my two choices:

Dagmara Legante, she is a famouse socialite in Latvija as well as Director of Communications at Luxury Boats North. Why Dagmara? Because was lucky to meet her in person in Cape Town while she was visitiong the country and I discovered what a fantastic personality Dagmara has! The portait is owned by Dagmara and I really hope she likes it;)

Portrait of Dagmara Legante, oil on canvas by R Grizane

2. Justin Bieber, well, I guess we all know who Justin Bieber is:) Why Bieber? Because he had a concert in Cape Town in May and it left a big impression on the whole city- I was no different:) Bieber portrait is available for sale! You can buy this painting online or contact me directly to discuss other options.

Portrait of Justin Bieber, oil on canvas by R Grizane

Choosing the righ photo of the person was another challange! As I used photos that I could fing on the internet, they were not necessary the best quality, didn't give the right feeling or similar... So, photo choosing took me 30% of total time needed to do the painting. 

I hope You enjoy the results:)

Have a fantastic day!!!

Ritma