Elena Mikhailova is from south-western Siberia - from the old Cossack trading centre of Novokuznetsk, now a modern city. She came to Ireland in 2000, via America where she had furthered her artistic studies. She lives in Co. Kildare.

Since coming to live in Ireland Elena has become recognised as an artist of remarkable talent. Her art has been in consistent demand both in Ireland and internationally and her paintings, with their lyricism and generous use of strong colour, exude a candescence that is engaging and compelling. Elena paints predominantly with oil on canvas to depict her diverse subject matter of romantic street scenes, spirited horses and portraits of startling character.

Elena's inspired use of brush and palette to evoke striking city scenes is most appealing. Of particular note is her use of light to capture the varying moods of crowd and city scenes. Her spirited depiction of horses is bold, with her oils of racing scenes carrying all the resonance of the moment itself. Her portraiture too is most striking. She captures the very essence of a person in an extraordinary manner. Her portraits of children are captivating.