Olena’s inspiration comes from painting in plein air and working from life. It is poetry of light and constant change that makes her excited about the next painting. It can be a sunrise or sunset, a constantly moving water or ever changing harbor, a storm or a gentle morning fog.  It is fleeting moments presented by nature that captivate her the most.  

Olena is a classically trained nationally recognized artist.  She has received awards from Plein Air Magazine, Oil Painters of America, the National Oil & Acrylic Painters Society as well as the Art Renewal Center and numerous national plein air competitions.  Her work has been featured in both Plein Air Magazine and Fine Art Connoisseur.  

During the winter she enjoys working and teaching out of her studio in Central Maine and every year with the beginning of the plein air season she starts her travels participating in plein air competitions and gallery shows as well as sharing her knowledge when teaching workshops and presenting demos.

A few selected awards

• Best Floral: April Plein Air Magazine, Plein Air Salon, 2022

• Best Use of Light: Best of America Small Works, National Oil and Acrylics Painters, 2022

• Best Water, Lighthouse Plein Air 2020

• Best in Show Awards, Tilghman, St. Michaels: Plein Air Easton, 2020

 You can see more of Olena's work at https://www.olenababak.com