My name is Elina Sondore. I'm originally from Riga, Latvia and currently living in the Basque Country, Spain. In 2008, I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. All of my illustrations are hand-painted with watercolor on paper.
Painting is more of a necessity than a choice for me. It grounds me in the world while also connecting me to something otherworldly. My work is shaped by personal experiences, by the cultural contrasts of being born in the mid-80s and growing up into the complexities of the 21st century.
I explore themes of humanity and identity, often indirectly. I’m deeply inspired by music and lyrics, and by the odd and beautiful mix-matches of color and pattern I encounter around me. Painting is where all of this—my inner world, my influences, and my need for expression—comes together. It’s where I feel most alive.
Animal Characters, Wings, and Birds
While I have a deep love for animals, these subjects are symbolic in my work. They let me stay more universal and less literal in my themes. Through visual expression and composition, I use these characters to draw metaphors for everyday emotions and life situations. Many of them reflect the experience of adapting, living outside comfort zones, and the quiet strength in showing real emotion.
Wings, in particular, are symbols of freedom—the ongoing journey of releasing fears, embracing imperfection, and freeing ourselves from expectations and standards that aren’t truly our own. I believe the sky is the limit, yet too often, we let our minds set the bar much lower.
I’m deeply drawn to vivid color and often feel the urge to mix a wide variety of hues within one piece—even if they traditionally don’t match. This “awkward mix-match” is what excites me most and keeps me invested in the process.
Sometimes, I begin a painting with only a few ideas or elements in mind; other times I start with a clear vision that evolves in unexpected directions. The process is a journey of constant surprise—and that’s exactly what I love about it. Watercolor, too, is a medium full of surprises: fluid, expressive, yet also quite controllable.
My process usually begins with a light pencil sketch, though the structure often changes as I apply the paint. Deciding when a piece is finished can be difficult because I love working on intricate details. At times, I’ll put a piece aside, return to it later with fresh eyes, and finish it once I’ve “uncluttered” my vision.
Recently, I’ve been creating more structured compositions filled with patterned elements. Many of these paintings come in sets or series to help build a fuller narrative.
The inspiration for these works stems from both conscious and subconscious dreams, daily observations, internal thought processes, and visual memories—past and present. These paintings are like visual thoughts made tangible, offering a glimpse into my inner world and how I perceive the one around me.
My name is Elina Sondore. I'm originally from Riga, Latvia and currently living in the Basque Country, Spain. In 2008, I graduated with a BA (Hons) in Fine Art from De Montfort University in Leicester, United Kingdom. All of my illustrations are hand-painted with watercolor on paper.
Painting is more of a necessity than a choice for me. It grounds me in the world while also connecting me to something otherworldly. My work is shaped by personal experiences, by the cultural contrasts of being born in the mid-80s and growing up into the complexities of the 21st century.
I explore themes of humanity and identity, often indirectly. I’m deeply inspired by music and lyrics, and by the odd and beautiful mix-matches of color and pattern I encounter around me. Painting is where all of this—my inner world, my influences, and my need for expression—comes together. It’s where I feel most alive.
Animal Characters, Wings, and Birds
While I have a deep love for animals, these subjects are symbolic in my work. They let me stay more universal and less literal in my themes. Through visual expression and composition, I use these characters to draw metaphors for everyday emotions and life situations. Many of them reflect the experience of adapting, living outside comfort zones, and the quiet strength in showing real emotion.
Wings, in particular, are symbols of freedom—the ongoing journey of releasing fears, embracing imperfection, and freeing ourselves from expectations and standards that aren’t truly our own. I believe the sky is the limit, yet too often, we let our minds set the bar much lower.
I’m deeply drawn to vivid color and often feel the urge to mix a wide variety of hues within one piece—even if they traditionally don’t match. This “awkward mix-match” is what excites me most and keeps me invested in the process.
Sometimes, I begin a painting with only a few ideas or elements in mind; other times I start with a clear vision that evolves in unexpected directions. The process is a journey of constant surprise—and that’s exactly what I love about it. Watercolor, too, is a medium full of surprises: fluid, expressive, yet also quite controllable.
My process usually begins with a light pencil sketch, though the structure often changes as I apply the paint. Deciding when a piece is finished can be difficult because I love working on intricate details. At times, I’ll put a piece aside, return to it later with fresh eyes, and finish it once I’ve “uncluttered” my vision.
Recently, I’ve been creating more structured compositions filled with patterned elements. Many of these paintings come in sets or series to help build a fuller narrative.
The inspiration for these works stems from both conscious and subconscious dreams, daily observations, internal thought processes, and visual memories—past and present. These paintings are like visual thoughts made tangible, offering a glimpse into my inner world and how I perceive the one around me.