"I paint because I have to. It's a physical need to create. I can't explain it. Regardless of what happens in day-to-day life, when I paint everything is somehow OK, and I’m at peace."

About the artist

Originally from the cultural capital of Russia, St. Petersburg, formerly Leningrad, Elena been a little bit of everything, including a hairstylist and makeup artist for over 20 years, and she holds a University degree in Marine Acoustic Engineering.

She didn't take up painting until age 35.  It all started with first oil painting class at the Florida Keys Community College in Key West and from there one painting became her passion. As she became more involved with her art, she started taking classes at the AAU. Now days Elena working on getting her degree in Fine Art.

Southcott draws upon diverse imagery acquired from her travels and everyday life to create unique, realistic paintings.

Most recently she has concentrated her efforts primarily on representing life around her in truthful and unglorified terms.

Elena and her husband reside in beautiful Key West, Florida where her love for painting continues.

Media and Genres: I work in oil, acrylic, and pastel. I do a little bit of everything, but mostly still life, landscape and portrait.

Work in progress: I'm always concerned with composition, craftsmanship and design. I work from sketches and my own photos, mostly in the studio, but occasionally enjoy plain air painting.