“If we don’t always understand animals, they always understand us.” – Rosa Bonheur
When I was 10 years old I painted my cat. Long into adulthood, my mother kept insisting it was the best painting I ever created. Half-jokingly, she compared all my works to The Portrait of Matros (my cat’s name, means “sailor” in Russian). The paintings she liked were praised as “almost as good”. My mom thought in that small watercolor, 40+ years ago, I captured our cat’s soul.
Up until my 50th birthday, art was my passion but not a career. In the mid-90s, as a new immigrant with art education, no English, and two young kids, I could only dream of becoming a “real artist”. Learning how to use a computer and getting a full time job in a field of graphic design was a reasonable solution. I took my painting supplies out of storage when my twin sons got behind the wheel — what else could I possibly do with all the extra time I suddenly had? Yet my subjects were anything but animals. Flowers, still life, some figurative works, some landscapes, but almost never animals. I’ve experimented with different styles, trying to invent “my own”. For quite a while, I was playing with elements of cubism, bright colors, sharp angles, and geometrical shapes. I was exhibiting and selling some works, but this was not enough to make it anywhere beyond local art fairs. To completely change my career, or to say it better, to actually start my career as an artist — it took another cat.
My mother was trying to convince me I needed a small short-haired cat. I wanted a Maine Coon, the largest domestic breed with long silky fur. Rio came from a cattery in Ohio during the 2016 Olympics, hence the name. When my mom first saw my new kitten, she said, “It’s meant to be, he looks like Matros.” Needless to say, I was absolutely in love with my new fur baby. Two years later, Rio developed an orthopedic condition and needed surgery. Seeing the poor guy suffer was heartbreaking. I painted his portrait, Furry Beast, as my own art therapy. Immediately, I got a brilliant idea — aha, I’ll do pet portrait commissions to cover the cost of his treatment. I advertised on social media with zero results. However, a few of my friends saw my struggle and ordered portraits of their pets — and up to this day I’m incredibly grateful to them. The most amazing thing happened in the process. Something clicked. That was it. I was completely and totally hooked and in my element. I knew I was going to keep painting animals.
The change in subject completely changed my painting style. Or it rather took me back to my original traditional good-old-Russian art training. I didn’t need to invent “my own style” anymore, it was naturally driven by my subjects. Faceted shapes and sharp edges did not work for soft fluffy animals. Instead, came bold expressive alla prima brushstrokes, painterly passages along with tighter details, and a need to describe form. I realized that using stylistic embellishments was a convenient way to cover up the lack of knowledge and technical skills in realistic representational painting. It made me work hard on honing my craft — watching other artists, taking workshops, and painting, painting, painting.
2020 hit hard. Pancreatic cancer took my mom away from us right before the COVID shutdown. She had always been my greatest supporter yet most objective and equitable critic. I’m glad she saw my first animal paintings, and she approved. Her feedback on my Conspirators was, “Absolutely human-looking muzzles. They simply have smart faces.” She didn’t like my title though, she thought it was too descriptive and I should let the viewers come up with their own story.
I remember sharing progress shots of Girlfriends with mom. She said they looked sad. I argued that cows always look sad; they’re simply romantics. Later that year, this painting was accepted into the OPA 2020 Eastern Regional, sold before the official opening date, and selected as a finalist by the 15th ARC Salon. It was my first real success as a painter, a sign that, at last, I was doing something right. I only wished my mother could still be here to see it.
Cows became my most popular animals. Never tired of their faces, I’ve probably painted enough cows for a decent size dairy farm over the last couple years. My creative process behind it is almost always the same: as the snout begins taking shape, I start smiling and keep painting with a silly smile on my face while talking to an imaginary cow, wondering if psychiatrists out there have a name for my condition. I joked that the reason I love painting cows is because they accept their natural beauty — no cow has ever asked me to remove her double chin or to make her nose smaller, and they are also perfectly fine with their facial hair.
My subjects are mostly farm animals and pets. Pets, I believe, deserve even more attention and recognition in art. They are there for us when we need them, they took us through pandemic, they keep us sane and for sure make us better people. When painting pets, my goal always is to understand and portray their personalities. For commissioned portraits, I ask my clients to share stories about their pets. For my own pieces, I like adding some narrative.
Why Are You Still Home? was painted in isolation of April, 2020. During this sad and uncertain time, grieving for my mother, I needed all the cuteness and humor I could possibly get to make it through. A friend of mine came up with the title for this piece after I posted it on Facebook.
I love adding a healthy dose of humor to my paintings. When I see people smile as they look at my works, it makes me happy. Of course the animals can be silly and amusing, but we all know they are also super smart. After taking care of my Rio recovering after his surgeries, I’m in awe of his resilience, persistence, and desire to survive. I have a huge respect for my subjects as there’s so much we all can learn from them. They always have a story to tell, and I’m trying to do my best transcribing their stories and capturing their souls.
Alisann Smookler says
For me, painting animals brings me so much joy. Their expressions and mannerisms come out as I paint them. There’s a deep connection I get when I put my brush on the canvas to paint what I see. My main subject has been Dogs, but have recently added Endangered animals.
This article was spot on and I am so pleased you shared it.
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you Alisann, absolutely agree with you and glad you enjoyed the article!
SUZANNE VIECHNICKI says
Wonderful article. I get the same joy out of painting children in action. Such simple joy and freedom. So happy for Lelena that she has found joy in her artistic pursuit!😍
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you so much Suzanne, I’m happy you enjoyed the article!
Phyllis Tag says
This was an amazing article about an amazing artist. She makes the animals have personality. A rare quality.
Yelena Lamm says
Aww thank you Phyllis! I try 😊
David Henderson says
I’ve been a professional painter all my life and have painted all kinds of subjects, but almost fifteen years ago, I thought I would paint a small, “Renaissance” portrait just for fun. But I had this funny photo of one of my older brother’s rabbits (he belongs to the “House Rabbit Society” in CA.), and thought I’d do something unusual, making him the subject. Little did I know that one day when I approached another gallery, that “Renaissance Rabbit” would be the piece they took to! Since then, I’ve painted many, and continue to enjoy a unique art energy these subjects bring.
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you David for sharing your story! We never know what’s gonna hit us, right? If someone told me five years ago that I’ll be an animal artist, I would’ve laughed. We just never know 😊
Suzi says
A wonderful article Yelena. As you know I have a love for painting animals as well. I am so looking forward to the reference photos I hope to come back with after my trip to South Africa in May! Animals do have their own personalities even those in the wild! I look forward to seeing more of your work! Best to you!
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you Suzi! I’m sure you will find so much inspiration in South Africa, wish I could be there too. Looking forward to see your new works! Hope I will have a chance to go one day and experience all these amazing animals in the wild! Best wishes to you!
Marie Provine says
This is a wonderful story, and I agree. Animals are smart. They evolve their intelligence along a different path than humans. Octopuses are smart, too, and their path in evolution was very different from ours.
I like this artist’s nice expressive style, but I hope it doesn’t get over done with too much anthropomorphism.
Yelena Lamm says
They certainly are. And I’m with you on anthropomorphism though it might sometimes be tempting. Trying to stay true to what I see and what I know about animals, and learning more every day will hopefully keep me from falling deep into abyss :))
Nancy Slattery says
I have tried my hand several times with all kinds of animals and this article and the pictures has inspired me to give it a go again! I really like how she combines realism in the animals and a much looser background!
Yelena Lamm says
I’m very excited my article gave you some inspiration! Thank you so much for your comment, and best of luck to you!
Nancy Slattery says
I have tried my hand several times with all kinds of animals and this article along with the great pictures has inspired me to give it a go again!
I especially liked how she combined the realism of the faces and the looseness of the backgrounds.
Denise Tabari says
I enjoyed her story and love her paintings with the fun spirit they have! . Very inspiring!
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you so much Denise, I really appreciate your comment!
Kathryn Morris says
Artists, we all have a story. As illustrated in the article by Yelena Lamm, ‘Struggle’ seems to be part of all our journeys. I’ve found Patience, Courage, Stamina and the ’Never give up’ attitude is crucial to finding the place we take in the medium/subject/style we feel most comfortable and satisfied with. It’s not the end of our journey, it’s a never ending trail of stepping stones…each one continually allowing us to learn and grow.
Yelena Lamm says
Totally agree with your statement, very true! Thank you for your comment.
Aleex Conner says
This is a great article, and I didn’t realize until I did my first pet portrait that they have an individual expression just like people! Your paintings are really lovely!
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you so much Aleex!
Janice says
Wonderful and beautiful tribute to you mother, as well as her continued presence in your work and life. I love all your work, but the animal ones make me smile and I imagine how fun it would be to meet a pen of piglets, giggle with goats and mope about with a dreamy cow. Thank you for a lovely article!
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you so much Janice! I’m very happy you enjoyed the article and really appreciate your comment 💕
Sylvia Kerry says
Love, love, love this! Animals are my favorite subjects to paint. There’s something about capturing the expression in their eyes that give you an idea of what they might be thinking. But I’ll never know for sure…..
Yelena Lamm says
Me neither! We can only guess 😊
Thank you so much for your comment, I’m happy you enjoyed my article!
Barbara Wagner says
I loved your article, Yelena. It gave me alot of encouragement because I am still struggling to find my passion in subject matter. I feel like I am all over the place, because I figured it important to improve my painting to be able to paint all subject matter. Your animals are very personal and love your colors and edges. Soft and inviting to look at.
Yelena Lamm says
Thanks you Barbara! So happy you loved my article, and even more happy it encouraged you. Nothing wrong with painting different subjects, more power to you! Agree that it is important to keep improving our skills to be able to paint anything. I’m now working on getting better in painting human portraits and figure. In my case, I wasn’t looking for a passion in subject matter, but it found me. Keep it up, keep it open, never limit yourself!
Marina Rogunova says
Dear Yelena! I admire your wonderful work and very moving story! While you were coping with difficult time in your life and your personal loss, you found your style and your signature in painting. All subjects of your work – cats, dogs, caws, horses, pigs and alpacas – have their own personality, character and even occasionally an agenda. I can only hold my breath and wait till a new beauty comes alive from your canvas. Keep painting, the best yet to come!
Yelena Lamm says
Thank you dear friend for your kind words and your continued support! Excited to see you building your own artistic journey; keep it up girl!!
Franklin Mendez says
Her drawing abilities are top notch. To compose these compositions and execute them in a style that I like very much is something I look to achieve some day.
Very well thought out, the colors are vibrant and they set the mood for the composition.
I enjoyed studying the brush strokes, and her use of color.
Svetlana Trofimova says
Yelena
It’s such a delight to read the stories of animal kingdom through your exquisite brush strokes. Your ability to transform your personal life experience into ever-growing artistic expressions never cease to amaze!
And I still remember how Feya was happy while posing for you, a cat whisperer 🤩
Jeffrey Phelps says
In awe of all you do! Very beautiful article by an amazing artist of whom I’ am incredibly proud! So glad I’ve had the pleasure of knowing & having such an incredible artist friend as you! My best always
Jeff
Terry says
Yelena, I love your work, your palette and brushstrokes, everything but especially the animals! I’m in Canada and wondering if you give online classes? I really would love to be able to learn from you!
Sincerely,
Terry