Yelena Lamm was born in Saint Petersburg, Russia, where she received her formal art training from the N. K. Roerich Fine Arts School. Since 1995, she has lived in Pittsburgh, PA.
Yelena paints primarily in oil. She is known for her portraits of pets and animals, in which she reflects on her subjects’ characters and personalities, as well as for her lively and colorful floral compositions.
Yelena is a Signature member of Oil Painters of America (OPA), Society of Animal Artists (SAA), and National Oil and Acrylic Painters’ Society (NOAPS). Yelena’s works were selected for and won awards in juried regional and national shows. Her list of awards includes 17th ARC Salon ARC Staff Awards, First Place in the Animals as the Subject category in 2024 Portrait Society of America Members Only Competition, Most Original Award of Excellence in OPA 2023 Eastern Regional Exhibition, Outstanding Achievement Animals in AWA 2023 Annual Online Juried Show, and SAA 63rd Art & the Animal Exhibition Purchase Award. Britain’s most popular magazine for practicing artists, Artists & Illustrators, featured Yelena’s animal portraits in a 6-page article and on the cover of their June 2023 issue. The October 2025 issue of the Artists & Illustrators features Yelena’s step-by-step painting process in a 5-page feature article.
Yelena’s works are represented by Reinert Fine Art in Charleston, SC, Main Exhibit Gallery in Ligonier, PA, The Zebra Gallery in Easton, MD, The Lucy Clark Gallery & Studio in Brevard, NC, and Picket Fence Art Studio in Woodinville, WA.
Artist Statement
I believe that beauty may save the world. Even if not, it undeniably makes it a better place. In my art, I strive for the beauty. Inspiration comes from endless harmonies and vibrant colors of the natural world. Animals and flora play a significant role in my work, serving as vessels for meaning, symbolism, and emotions. Through my art, I try to tell stories imbued with depth, and often a healthy dose of humor. People smiling at my paintings feel my heart with joy.
My painting technique is deeply influenced by both the old masters and contemporary artists. I practice representational art, utilizing a direct oil painting technique that allows for intricate brushwork. Each piece is a meticulous exploration of form and color, aiming to capture the essence of my subjects while engaging the viewer in a visual dialogue.
In my work, I hope to convey the profound beauty I see in the world, sharing it with others to inspire, uplift, and perhaps, make our world a bit brighter.
