Katrina Avotina West Yorkshire, United Kingdom
Katrina is a Professional Artist specialising in Acrylic Paintings with more than 30 years experience and has illustrated several children books. Katrina has been active in various international projects and exhibitions, including several private exhibitions in Leeds and Liverpool, and has taken part a lot of group exhibitions around UK.
It was natural for me to become an artist. Colours, brushes and canvases where always around my home since early childhood, as my family have been artists for generations. I have been participating in exhibitions since I was sixteen and won several awards, the most important being the opportunity to spend some time in Vienna City. It was here that I discovered the inspirational F. Hundertwasser’s art. Other artists that inspire me include Henri Matisse, Claude Monet, Gustav Klimt and Pablo Picasso.I began my education at Art College, and continued my studies in a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Painting, followed by a Master’s Degree at the Art Academy of Latvia.
I have taken part in solo and group exhibitions since 1993, with my paintings being held in private collections throughout the world including Ireland, the UK, Japan, Australia, New Zealand, Europe and the USA. For the last eighteen years I have been living in Leeds. The beautiful Yorkshire scenery widens my creativity. Here I find the different forms of nature, make it feel like Italy, France, Spain and Latvia all in one.
In my paintings, I devote much attention to the play of colours, line and plot. I convey my vision of the world with colours and images, but the plot plays a special role. The paintings were created mainly during my travels. I try to perceive the world not only in my native Latvia, but also in other countries. Each painting has its own story. Some tell about the scenic mountains of Tuscany, the magic cathedrals of Italy. Others perhaps, are stories about Britain’s magical gardens, a cat that brings warmth and peace to a home or a woman waiting for the love of her life.
I wish to spread beauty in the world and to bring happiness to people through my paintings. I hope that all those who view my works feel the love I portray.