The Art and Inspiration of Elena Markelova

Welcome to our latest edition of In The Spotlight! We love sharing the stories of the talented makers, artists, and small businesses whose work fills the shelves at Mountain Hollow.

Join us as we chat with watercolor artist Elena Markelova of Elena Markelova Arts, whose nature-inspired paintings reflect a deep love for the wild places that surround us.

1. Question [How would you describe your business?]

Answer:  I’m a watercolour artist creating nature- and wildlife-inspired artwork that blends animal portraits with their natural environments in a unique double exposure style. My business is rooted in a deep love for the outdoors, and each piece I create is meant to spark a sense of wonder, peace, and connection to the wild. I hope my art encourages others to slow down, appreciate the natural world, and recognize the importance of protecting it. Through both my work and regular contributions to conservation organizations, my mission is to inspire care for the environment and bring a little more beauty into people’s lives.

2. Question [Was there anything in particular that sparked your interest in art and led to you getting started?]

Answer: I moved to Canada in 2012 and was amazed by the beauty of nature and the wildlife that inhabits these land, air and water. I will always remember the first breath of that autumn air – the smell of grass and leaves; even rain and wet rocks had their smell. For the girl who grew up in an industrial part of Siberia that was so unique. I’ve never seen a bear or any other animals in the wild; they usually would hide very deep in the woods. And even though I often explored the mountains and forests of my region, I’ve never had any encounters. That has changed on my very first trip to the mountains in BC, when I saw a black bear cub. How excited and delighted I was you cannot imagine! Since then, nature and the wild places have become my true love and inspiration. The beauty, peace, and truth found there have no equal.

3. Question [Are you formally trained or are you self-taught?]

Answer: My artist’s journey began when I was very little. I remember myself enjoying painting and having my artwork exhibited at kindergarten; but it was my mom who helped me to set this path as my only way in life, and I’m so grateful for that. She signed me up for art school when I was 10 years old. After that I went to Arts University for another 6 years, during that time I realized that I have unconditional love for watercolour. There is magic in the unique ability of the medium to produce exciting, interesting and sometimes unexpected, random ways to blend and mix colour.

4. Question [Do you have a unique skill or technique that sets you apart?]

Answer: Yes, I’m known for my unique double exposure watercolour technique, where I blend detailed animal portraits with their natural habitats—such as forests, mountains, or oceans—within the same silhouette. This approach creates a visual story that highlights the deep connection between wildlife and the environments they depend on. I also work primarily with watercolour, a medium I love for its softness, unpredictability, and ability to capture both strength and delicacy. My goal is to not only create visually striking art, but to tell a story and to evoke emotion and awareness about the beauty and fragility of the natural world.

5. Question [What inspires you and your creative process?]

Answer: I’m deeply inspired by the natural world—majestic mountains, misty forests, coastal waters, and the wildlife that calls these places home. Living in British Columbia, I’m surrounded by breathtaking scenery that constantly fuels my creativity. My process often begins with time spent outdoors—hiking, observing light, movement, and the quiet presence of animals. These moments translate into my art, where I aim to capture not just the image, but the emotion and atmosphere of the wild. Watercolour allows me to express that connection with its fluid, unpredictable nature—mirroring the beauty and spontaneity of the landscapes and creatures that inspire me.

6. Question [Does where you live influence your work?]

Answer: Absolutely—where I live has a profound influence on my work. I’m based in Maple Ridge, BC, surrounded by mountains, forests, lakes, and coastal views that inspire me daily. Being so close to nature allows me to observe the changing light, seasons, and wildlife firsthand, which deeply shapes the mood and subject of my paintings. The peacefulness and raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest is reflected in my art, whether it’s a misty forest scene, a bear emerging from the fog, or an orca gliding through coastal waters. Living here keeps me connected to the wilderness that fuels my creativity.

7. Question [Do you have a favorite product/piece you make?  What makes it special to you?]

Answer: There are many. One is “Goodnight Kiss” (pictured below) - I started this piece of a Mama Bear kissing her baby when I was pregnant with my firstborn, and then after my son has arrived I could see myself and my little boy in it. I was listening to my heart and painting these two because it felt right. I was also trying to embrace the magical moment of unity and purest love, and insert these emotions into this artwork. It's unbelievable how much the arrival of a baby changes your inner soul. This painting is a reminder of that incredible time when I was the universe creating something unimaginable at the time.

8. Question [What advice would you give to aspiring makers?]

Answer: My advice to aspiring makers is to stay true to your vision and create from the heart. Your authenticity is your greatest strength, and people will connect with the passion behind your work. Don’t be afraid to experiment, evolve, and make mistakes—every part of the journey teaches you something valuable. At the same time, treat your creative practice like a business: learn about marketing, pricing, and how to value your time. Most importantly, keep showing up, even when it feels hard. Growth takes time, but if you stay consistent and believe in what you’re doing, the right people will find you.

9. Question [What have you accomplished that you're most proud of and why?]

Answer:  My artwork has been accepted into international exhibitions, where I’ve had the opportunity to share my unique watercolor style and even offer live painting demonstrations. It’s incredibly meaningful to see my art resonate with people from different parts of the world and to represent my love for nature and wildlife on a global stage. I’m also proud of growing my small business from scratch—connecting with collectors, teaching workshops, and partnering with shops—all while staying true to my values. Every piece I create and every connection I make feels like a step toward something bigger.

10. [What are you currently working on or excited to make next?]

Answer: Currently I'm working on a collection of big misty forests and animals veiled by the mist, and when I say big, they are huge - 80x120 cm and bigger! I'm always up for a challenge and it feels incredibly empowering to use watercolours for such monumental artwork.

We hope you’ve enjoyed learning more about Elena as much as we did! Experiencing her art is always a highlight for those who visit us, and we love being able to share her beautiful work with you.

Check out Elena’s website and be sure to follow her on social media — you can even join her on one of her popular watercolor retreats (Azores, anyone?).

A big thank you to Elena for allowing us to showcase her art!

 

Stay tuned for our next edition...

-J