Artworks by Irina Plaksina

I paint with acrylic on paper and canvas, in a style that sits somewhere between folk art, expressionism and naive art. My process is intuitive: I begin with bold color and simple shapes, then build up layers until the picture feels alive. I keep the brushstrokes visible and a little imperfect on purpose, because that is where the warmth comes from.

My favorite subjects are imaginary animals, ripe fruit, still life and warm, dreamlike landscapes. Foxes, cats and other animals appear in my paintings as small characters with quiet personalities of their own, and citrus and figs glow as if lit from inside.

I hope my work feels like a good memory: cozy, a little playful, and calming. If someone stops in front of one of my paintings, smiles, and feels at home for a moment, I have done what I set out to do.

I find inspiration in folk traditions, in sunlit colors, and in the simple everyday objects that make a home feel lived in.