Elena Valerie – Australian Visual Artist Specialising in Live Wedding Painting, Custom Pet Portraits & Floral Oil Paintings

Elena Valerie is a Gold Coast-based visual artist with Eastern European roots who found her artistic voice in Australia. Inspired by the natural beauty and creative spirit of this land, Elena has grown into a passionate and accomplished artist, specialising in live wedding painting, custom pet portraits, and exquisite floral oil paintings. Using traditional oil techniques, including layered glazing, her work captures the depth, vibrancy, and emotional essence of her subjects.
Teaching and Community Building
For the past seven years, Elena has shared her expertise as a teaching artist, running weekly art classes for adults that focus on oil painting techniques and creative expression. These sessions have built a vibrant and supportive community where creativity thrives. In addition, she organises regular long-day thematic oil painting workshops that allow participants to immerse themselves in focused, hands-on projects and experience the art of live painting.
GC Art Collective – Collaboration and Artistic Growth
Elena is the founder and coordinator of GC Art Collective, a group of passionate artists dedicated to collaboration and artistic growth. The Collective has showcased diverse exhibitions—including live event paintings and curated collections at Gold Coast University Hospital and Robina Hospital—aiming to enrich the community through art.
Live Event Painting
Highly sought after as a live event painter, Elena captures unforgettable moments in real time at weddings, corporate events, and other celebrations. Her live wedding painting service provides a unique, interactive way to preserve cherished memories, turning your special day into a timeless oil painting.
Taking Commissions
Elena offers personalised commission services, working closely with clients to create meaningful and bespoke artworks. Whether it’s a heartfelt custom pet portrait, an elegant floral composition, or a large-scale live event painting, each piece is tailored to reflect your vision and tell your story through oil on canvas.
Recognition and Achievements
Elena’s artistic accomplishments include being a finalist in the Cliftons Art Prize (2017) and achieving second place in the oil category at the Ocean Shores CC 12th Art Competition. She has also been recognised as a finalist in renowned art competitions such as the Rotary Art Spectacular and The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards for several consecutive years. Her diverse body of work—ranging from floral and animal portraits to live wedding paintings—is featured in private collections worldwide.
A Passion for Art and Connection
Driven by a deep passion for art and community, Elena is committed to inspiring creative expression and sharing her knowledge. Through her live painting, workshops, and custom commissions, she connects people with the beauty and transformative power of creativity, leaving a lasting impression through every brushstroke.
PERSONAL STATEMENT:
"I weave my passion for life’s beauty into every brushstroke, creating art that celebrates joy, connection, and harmony. Through my work, I aim to share a message of love and creativity, inviting you to pause and reflect on the wonder of the world around us. Beyond the canvas, I am dedicated to building a vibrant art community, where like-minded souls come together, inspired by the transformative power of art."
YOUTUBE CHANNEL
Elena Valerie Art
Elena Valerie Art


White Gardenia Flower - oil painting process by Elena Valerie Artist

Magenta Rose - Oil painting

Oil Painting Time-lapse | Magnolia Flower
EXHIBITIONS & AWARDS
2024
Finalist of The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba, Australia
"Foot Square" exhibition at Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, Australia
2023
Finalist of The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba, Australia
Finalist of Rotary Art Spectacular, Brisbane, Australia
2022
Finalist of The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba, Australia
Finalist of "Petite pieces" exhibition 2022 at Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, Australia
2021
The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba, Australia;
Finalist of "Petite pieces" exhibition 2021 at Aspire Gallery, Brisbane, Australia
Coded ART exhibition at Kirra Hill, QLD, Australia;
8x8 to Educate exhibition, Dust Temple, Currumbin Waters QLD, Australia.
2020
Finalist of The Rotary Art Fair;
Finalist of "A Florist's Delight" exhibition at Aspire Gallery
2019
Finalist of Rotary Art Spectacular, Brisbane, Australia;
The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba, Australia;
2018
Painting for Peace exhibition, Brisbane Painting Classes, Albion, Brisbane;
"Seasons" exhibition, Robina Art Gallery, Gold Coast, Australia;
Ekka 2018, Brisbane, Australia
Lions Club Art Extravaganza, Westfield, Garden City, Brisbane, Australia
Curator's Choice - Rotary Art Spectacular, Brisbane, Australia;
2nd place in oil, Ocean Shores CC 12th Art Competition, Australia;
Finalist of The Art Lovers Australia Artist’s Prize, Gold Coast, Australia
2017
Finalist of Cliftons Art Prize, Brisbane, Australia;
Ekka 2017, Brisbane, Australia
Finalist of Rotary Art Spectacular, Brisbane,Australia;
Online finalist of Lethbridge 10000 Small Scale Art Award;
The d’Arcy Doyle Art Awards, Mudgeeraba, Australia;
RAW: Natural Born Artists showcase, Gold Coast, Australia
EDUCATION
2022
Painting Spring Flowers online course with Kathleen Speranza
2021
The Color Bootcamp webinar with Julie Beck at Academy of Realist Art Boston
Animal Portrait with Jennifer Gennari;
Portrait Painting with Jennifer Gennari
2019
Floral in Oil with Lyn Diefenbach
2018
Kaffe’s Colour Lecture - Kaffe Fassett
Painting Fire in Oil with Hobie Porter
2017
Wow Factor with Pastels - Lyn Diefenbach
Still Life - Andrew Bonneau
Anatomy of Style Figure Drawing - Patrick Jones
2016
Portrait from Life - Andrew Bonneau
Life drawing classes
Skin Texture and Glazing - Marcel Desbiens
Glass and reflection - Marcel Desbiens
Water in oil - Marcel Desbiens
Australian Landscape - John Wilson
Artable Studio
Mcgregor Summer School – Arts. USQ, Toowoomba
2015
Gold Cost Art Classes
PRESS & INTERVIEW
CrowdInk Interview | Artist Elena Valerie Is A ‘Hidden Talent’ No More
CrowdInk Interview | Blossoming Art with Elena Valerie