Elena Kotliarker

In my life as an artist, I have always used bright, bold colors in my works to express emotions- but it has long since fascinated me how white can be even more powerful when used creatively.
My latest series, Purity, explores this idea, and my Seven Shades of White project is the greatest example.

The shades of white

A lack of color does not mean a lack of depth- as I hope this piece proves. Layering varied tones of white paint on a plain white background, I built a textured, emotive picture that moves and speaks to the viewer without a single stroke of color. The palette ranges from brilliant white to a deep cream tone- which, when applied on top of each other, create a 3D effect that lifts the images off the canvas.
An ethereal swirl of feathers and flowers creates an angelic pointed wing- imagery of faith, beauty, and purity that hold deep meaning and stir an emotional response. I believe this works even better in an all-white scheme, as it lets the symbolism speak for itself. Furthermore, the shades of white fit perfectly with the message of the artwork.

Modern interior design

I purposely worked the paint strokes in this series painting to create a textured canvas. Movement in static artwork is something I always strive for it helps breathe life into the images I create. In this case, it does more than that- it also makes it relevant to modern interior design and art trends. Even when hung on a white background, this textured canvas stands out as a bold piece of art that holds attention and becomes a statement in any room.

Minimalism

Minimalism is a huge trend right now- an effortlessly chic look that is here to stay. The idea that less is more in terms of color and design is something that challenged me in my Purity series and Seven Shades of White, and I wanted to make something in line with these ideals. The textured canvas is the perfect way to bring art into a minimalistic space without making it feel busy or losing the feel of the room. It proves you don’t need color to create something beautiful. Instead, layered texture subtly adds interest and depth.

Seven Shades of White is a deviation from my usual palette, but it stays true to my work as a textural, symbolism-driven artist. Working on this project has pushed me to discover new realms of color work in keeping with the minimalist trends of the 21st Century.

See this painting in my collection

"Dear Lena,
As I look at your beautiful paintings this morning & drink my coffee in relative safety, all I can think of is that I hope you, your family & friends are all safe. I see Israel on our news & the 1st thing I thought of was you. I'm probably silly, especially to just write u a note on your eBay, I know I'm just a person a million worlds away who purchased some of your beautiful art. But none the less I felt a need to reach out to you this morning just to let you know that i, as well as my husband & our familys are thinking of you. We all pray for you & yours, as well as all in Israel really, for safety peace health happiness & prosperity. You & your art has touched our lives here in our simple ol'Wyoming household, so in true form to how we tend to be here in Wyo, that pretty much makes you our friend :) Take care Lena, much love to you & yours as you're all in our hearts."
Julie

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"Hello Elena,
I joined eBay specifically to buy your artwork. I had been admiring it on your website for awhile. I stumbled upon your work while watching a youtube video of Israeli music and absolutely loved it... Very anxious for its arrival as it will grace a wall in my living room. I love the colors!!"
Kaye

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"Your work takes my breath away. I am an aspiring artist,and I have never seen anything like you do. You have THE GIFT. I am not sure that I do. I extend much love to you."
Denise

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“Thanks so much rest assured that many will cherish your work. Thanks for using God's gift to you.”
Barbara

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“You must have a good soul to do such beautiful work and to have found each other. Take care”
Erika

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“Elena, the paintings arrived and they are gorgeous. You are amazing. Thank you so much for allowing me to enjoy your art.”
Renee

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“All I have to say is - I wish I had more wall space!
However, that does not mean I will not be ordering from you again!) I absolutely love them and will show them to some
friends to get them to buy! absolutely love the images, but also the nice feeling they have - thank you so much.”
Aviva

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“I was out of town and just picked up the painting from my post office this morning. It's beautiful and I love it!
It is very different from other paintings I have purchased in terms of the technique used,
and I'm looking forward to finding just the right spot for it.”
Gloria

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“Did get the art last night and it is FABULOUS!!! I LOVE IT!! Thanks so much!
I now have to get it framed and then I have a wonderful place of honor to hang it where I will be able to see it most of the day! “
Ruby

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“Thanks for everything. I have looked everywhere for the right art for my home and I'm so glad to have found you.
I'm sure I will be buying more in the future!!”
Edward

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“Just came home and opened it. It is absolutely magnificent - like something out of a dream! even more beautiful than the picture.
colors are incredible, everything just flows...
I am going to have it stretched and framed in brushed gold to hang in my apartment...
Will DEFINITELY be ordering another one shortly. I just have to figure out the colors. size, names, etc..!
Thank you so much! glad I found you!”
Sharon

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“I received your artwork. They are even MORE beautiful than I could have imagined!!!!
I hope to purchase more in the future. I cannot wait to get them stretched and framed!
Thank you so much for the fast shipping!
I left positive comments on your eBay account about my happiness with you art.
You have such great talent and I am thrilled to own such special and unique art.
Thank you so much for everything!”
Edward

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“Dear Elena:
We just picked up the parcel yesterday. You should have received our thanks and a positive feedback by now.
In any event, THANK YOU again for a very lovely piece of artwork that will have a prominent place in our home!!
Sincerely, “
Ann Marie

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“Your work is exquisite! I love it! I bought one as a gift for a dear friend of mine and I know that she will be thrilled.
You are going to be world famous, if you are not already.
It is an honor to own one of your works of art.”
Lainey

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“Your beautiful painting arrived today --- I am amazed that it got here so quickly. I love your use of color and the flow of your work.
You are very talented!!! I will be getting your painting framed next week and look forward to getting it up on my wall.
Thank you for your lovely work. All the best to you; I will look forward to seeing more paintings from you on Ebay!”
Deb

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“Unbelievable!!!!!!!!! Your work is beautiful. I have several people interested in your work.
This piece deserves a special place in my home. Thank you.”
Rebecca

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“Thanks for the gorgeous painting! I LOVE it. It is a fabulous addition to my home.
Everyone who sees it loves it too. May you continue to express your spirit and culture in such an inspiring manner.
I will stay in touch. God Bless you.”
Regards, Sally

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“I couldn't resist! I thought the first painting was so lovely and I saw
this one and bought it. I took the first painting into a framing shop
here in Kingston and people wanted to know where I found such a beautiful
colorful picture. I told them....”
Maggie

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“Hi Elena, I brought the pictures to our framer today We can't wait to hang this beautiful work. Will you please e/mail us a biography of
yourself to put on the back of the work for the future family member who will own them in the future?”
Karen

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“I just got my paintings back from the framer and I LOVE them on the wall. They are so perfect!!!
My sister-in-law saw them and she is looking with her husband at the ones you have listed on ebay.
When I went to check I placed a bid on another one (I couldn’t help myself, I love them all)… “
Erica

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“I just wanted to send you a picture of the painting I bought from you, which is now hanging in our living room.
I love it....and have already received so much positive feedback about it from my friends who have seen it.
Thank you for creating such a lovely piece of artwork. It makes me happy just to look at it.”
Deb


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“Elena, Oh my goodness!! Your artwork was even more beautiful than I anticipated. It is more than beautiful! “
Karen & Marc


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“I have been looking at your paintings for awhile. I am sure you hear this all the time, but your paintings are absolutely breath taking!
I cannot express to you the joy I feel when I gaze at them. The pleasure is all mine to purchase this item.
I am extremely exited to have a beautiful piece in my home.”
Bobby and Janine

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“You are awesome and so is your artwork. I will be buying a new home in the next few months and promise to be back!! Thank you!!!”
Melissa

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"Hello, Elena!
“The Galilee Iris” arrived here today in perfect condition.
Its beauty far exceeds what I had hoped for, and I feel extremely honored to have such a magnificent original artwork in my home.
Blessings on you for sharing your divine gift"
Paul

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“I really want to win this painting! I honestly have never told a seller that however, since there is no reserve price and no buy it now
I am scared that I won't win! I feel uncomfortable saying this... But it speaks to me and I feel very strongly that I have to have this
hanging on my wall. I know that is the point of art -- to speak to people in different ways & invoke a deep powerful emotion --
but I have just never had the chance to be able to own something that I have liked so much! “
Erin

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“I Thank you for your beautiful art. I'm looking for the best spot to hang it where I can always enjoy the viewing”
Barry

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“Looking forward to the painting. This is a gift to my newest grand child, my 3rd grandson, not yet born.
What better way to welcome him to the world then with the wishes of success, luck, happiness, love, fruitfulness and health -
and the added bonus of teaching him to appreciate art from the beginning of his life. Thanks for painting the perfect gift.”
Martha


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“I'm so excited to receive your painting. I was wondering if you have any articles or a bio to include with the painting.
I'm giving this painting to my daughter for her 1st birthday. My husband and I have a tradition of buying special,
lifelong first birthday presents for our kids.
She's a spunky, happy little soul. This painting reminded me of her spirit. Its meaning was very important as well.
I'm sure this painting will help her love and appreciate art and culture. It would be great to be able to tell her a little bit
about the artist who created her special piece. Thanks so much for any help you can provide! “
Jennie


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”I have been excited to see it and I was over-joyed when I opened it today. It is so beautiful and unlike anything I've ever seen before.
You have a wonderful talent and I'm so glad I found you! I know the painting will fill my daughter's room and heart with happiness each time she looks at it.
I wish I had more room to express how beautiful your work is in person. I truly love it. Hopefully I'll be able to purchase more in the future. Thanks so much!”
Jennie

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“I truly Loved It!! I am giving it to my wife for an anniversary present. The
significance of your meanings within the painting offered the perfect
expression of my feelings for her. I will certainly keep an eye on all of
your offerings and make sure that you are part of my collection.
Thank you so much for the happiness you have brought into my life.”
Martin

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Hi Elena!!!
I did receive your precious piece and it is magnificent!!! I have been staring at it for two days!!! There is so much to take in and reflect upon!
You truly are so very talented. This piece is so spiritual and so meaningful.
Thank you from the bottom of my heart! I am taking it to the framers today to get mounted! Thank you. Thank you. Thank you
Sue

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“Your art is beautiful. I have never seen anything so magnificent in my life. such art and talent leaps from your fingers and onto a canvas,
silk, the wall. You are very talented to say the least! please do inform me, I love your art”
Jasmine


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Dear Elena,
I received the two paintings I recently purchased from you, and once again I am amazed at how gorgeous your work is.
Pictures on the computer cannot adequately show the true beauty of the colors and texture.
They really brighten up the rooms they are hanging in, and create quite a conversation piece because of their unique content and symbolism.
I will treasure them forever! Thank you so much!
Karen


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Good evening Lena, thank you for the great communication and the fantastic painting you have made my girlfriend very happy
she loves your work im sure she will only purchase more in the future! once again thank you and look forward to the arrival
keep up the good work i know you have made a lot of people happy.
Neil

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Hi Elena. I wanted to let you know that your painting arrived safe and sound today and it is absolutely beautiful!!!!
I am surprised at how fast it was. I can't wait until it's on my wall. My son (who is 11) is in love with it too!
We got home five minutes ago, opened it, and he is now digging out his paints so he can start doing some painting of his own.
WOW! I can't even tell you how happy I am to own your work of art. It is so vibrant and exciting.
Thank you so much!
Liette

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I am absolutely amazed with "Queen Lillie". It's like You were able to embody Our little girls bright colorful spirit on canvas without ever meeting Her.
The spirits seem to be in line over this one. Thank You So much, We will send pictures as soon as I know We're in touch.
Mark

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I had an incredible experience with Elena. From the start, she was very responsive to my questions, and very accommodating with my custom order.
The painting arrived in just TWO DAYS from Israel to the US, I couldn't

Participated in the group "Imagination Israeli Art Exhibition", Bank Hapoalim (Tel Aviv, Israel) 2013
My artwork "The Shabbat Queen" has been sold on Montefiore Art House international auction No 21 (06, February 2013)
Participated in the group "Imagination Israeli Art Exhibition", Bank Hapoalim (Tel Aviv, Israel) 2012
My artwork "Jaffa Hills" has been sold on Montefiore Art House international auction No 17 (19, July 2011)
Participated in the group exhibition "White Nights". "Light House Gallery", Jaffa. June-July 2011
My artwork was accepted by Montefiore Art House as a lot for an international auction 16 (05-Apr-2011) and finally has been sold
Number of my original artworks have been partially donated for Kane Street Synagogue online auction fundraiser 2011 as 25% coupon towards
Participated in the group "Imagination Israeli Art Exhibition", Bank Hapoalim (Tel Aviv, Israel) 2011
Solo exposition in Purple Gate gallery, Ein Hod. September 2010
Participated in the group exhibition "Without frames". Government offices building, Tel-Aviv. August-November 2010
Six my artworks are partially donated for the auction of the fund raising gala event of Larger then life USA that take place on March 16, 2010 in Woodbury, New York
Participated in the group "Imagination Israeli Art Exhibition", Bank Hapoalim (Tel Aviv, Israel) 2010
Two of my artworks have been donated for "Larger than Life" event (Canada, 2009) - to raise funds to provide the best medical assistance to children afflicted with cancer
Solo exposition in the First International Bank of Israel (the Disengof square branch, Tel-Aviv) under the patronage of the "Shorashim" gallery, 2009
Published in "Israeli artists" , second book 2009
Participated in the group exhibition in Jaffo Archeological Museum (Jaffo, Israel) 2009
Participated in the group "In a far far away Kingdom", Skizza Club Gallery (Jerusalem , Israel) 2009
Participated in the group "Imagination Israeli Art Exhibition", Bank Hapoalim (Tel Aviv, Israel) 2008 and 2009
Participated in the group exhibition in Kiryat Ono "Koter Pais" Culture Center 2008
Participated in the group exhibition "4 Artists – 4 Views" in Haifa's "Castra" Gallery in December 2007
Participated in the solo exhibition in Kiryat Ono Culture Center in 2003
Participated in the solo exhibition in Mikola House in Kiev in 1996
Participated in the solo exhibition in Kiev Culture Center in 1996

What’s the point in painting?

Imagine you enter a restaurant or a jewelry store… Try to recall that thrilling sensation when an exotic dish or a fascinating luxurious piece of jewelry takes you in and makes you forget about all other business. You feel an urge to grab it, taste it, merge with it… Well, painting is my way to reproduce such sensations and to pass forward the evolving vibrations.

What do my pictures depict?

First of all, it is my strong feeling for the nature of Israel – its rich GARDEN and its blooming and colorful flowery palette… This garden is rich in symbolic forms that are meaningful for Judaism as well for other religions …

How is a painting born?

I make sketches at any free moment - while looking at flowers, sitting on a bench… In these series of small sketches I try to catch rhythms, motives and moods, and to learn them by heart as melodies.

When at home, I stretch a canvas, touch and caress it as if it were alive, expecting its response. I think of a blessing for a work yet unborn. Then I either copy my sketches as they are or develop a new one based on their motives. Drawing is often made in pencil or in charcoal, but my favorite is oil pastel which enables free line drawing… And then, one by one, the paint layers appear.

The first background layer is a bunch of color patches. Then lots of new layers land on top of these preliminary color patches. They are made of paint and paste which helps create a texture both sophisticated and inviting, calling for touch and caress. I give colors a lot of thought, tuning myself to a specific hue, thinking of its energy and its unique message.

Sometimes, while working, I have physical vibrations coming right from my stomach. It’s usually until that stage that I keep searching and repainting, while this precious vibration announces that the real work has started. The image produced at that vibration time is usually full of contrasts, a sharp and unpleasant conglomerate, which I strive to balance afterwards by filling in the lacquers and glazing, creating half-tones and subtle color transitions. The resulting variety combines opaque as well as glowing lacquers. In fact, I am inspired by sophisticated surfaces created by nature, such as the multi-layered surface of minerals, or the play of light in pearls… Minerals provide me with a lot of warmth, their touch causing a pleasant sensation inside that urges to create. So I place them around the candles, sprinkle them with aromatic oils and they help me enter my canvas door into a fairy tale world. Once there, I might pick up one of the stones, study its texture and think of its powers and impact on people.

When I review all those intervening stratum, I start making repairs: erasing at some points, placing accents on others, adding tiny dots and delicate lines so as to achieve an esthetic and harmonious form. Once my new jewel is ready, I thread in some strings of gold…

Art Flavor or Flavor of Art?

The working atmosphere is never complete without music, mate or white coffee as background. White coffee is a Yemenite drink containing ginger, cinnamon, nutmeg and pepper. When hot, it spreads reviving and relaxing flavors, warming you from inside and filling you with positive energy. And if I also rub some vanilla into my canvas, I paint in the” fresh cake” mood…


So here is a winning recipe for being creative

One cup of good music mixed with 10 minutes of meditation
5 sips of white coffee
A couple of warm hugs with canvas
And unlimited number of blessings

Elena Kotliarker was born in 1969 in Kiev Ukraine. Her passion for the painting goes back to early childhood.
Elena completed her studies from Olga Bebko at the art studio, attached to Mikola House Gallery, Kiev, Ukraine.
After that taught in that studio.
Elena is very successful in creating a very intense and vital structures, included the great variety of symbols,
both figurative and abstract, using a complicated and complex correlation of techniques and colors.
Her works are characterized by a rainbow of colors from the most delicate of pastels to the brightest of expressionist
colors.

Elena is a loving Mom of two sons, a professional Painter and an irresistible Dreamer.
Her art is an invitation into a most enchanting world of fairy-tale cats, exotic flowers on silk, and sea creatures looking from walls. Her murals create original spaces and atmosphere for studies, work, play and rest. You will feel inspired by Elena's relaxing and kind energy that makes this world a more pleasant place. Have a look, and you will wish to keep dreaming with Elena!

Elena is internationally recognized professional Judaica Artist, with hundreds of her artworks sold all around the world, from US and Canada to Europe, Australia and Asia.
About 800 Lena's original artworks and hand embellished prints may be found in private collections in wide range of countries:

Australia
Austria
Belgium
Brazil
Canada
France
Germany
Greece
Haiti
Hong Kong
Hungary
Ireland
Italy
Israel
Japan
Malaysia
Malta
Mexico
Netherlands
Poland
Portugal
Paraguay
Romania
Russian Federation
Singapore
Slovakia
South Africa
Sweden
Switzerland
Turkey
Ukraine
United Kingdom
United States

Since 1996 she lives in Israel