Artist Spotlight: Elena Dvoeglazova

Meet Elena Dvoeglazova, one of DARA's drawing instructors in our Trimester Programme. As a student, Elena was a competition winner in DARA's Academic Portrait Drawing class, and will be an assistant teacher in this course in 2026.

Rest in Blue: A Self Reflection, oil on linen by Elena Dove

In 2025, a new initiative began in our Trimester Programme to reward excellence in the portrait drawing and painting classes with Mischa Tranquilli. 

In the Portrait Drawing programme, students gradually progress through three modules, which typically requires one academic year to fully complete: starting from the study of constructive anatomy and tonal "block-in" drawing, to academic rendering in graphite, to half-figure portraits drawn life size in charcoal and chalk.

​All classwork is completed exclusively from life (no photos!) and to facilitate this rigorous study, model drawing poses last up to twenty-four hours.

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​Elena Dvoeglazova (artist name: Elena Dove) was recognized as the winner of the portrait drawing class of Spring 2025, in which her outstanding coursework and extracurricular studies earned her the highest grade of her peers. Elena will be co-teaching the Portrait Drawing class in 2026.
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Get to know Elena:

​Could you tell us a little about yourself, and what inspired your interest in the fine arts?
ELENA: I’m an artist originally from Russia, now based in Haarlem, the Netherlands. I am currently studying and working at DARA. My journey into fine art began with a background in opera singing and theatre, which gave me a unique perspective on the world and continues to influence my visual work. I drew throughout my childhood, but never knew how to make it truly interesting. After graduating from the Conservatorium - having already been introduced to art through music - I returned to drawing.

When I moved to the Netherlands, I tried exploring painting on my own, but it was only after discovering DARA that I began to make real progress. The skills I’ve honed there have been instrumental in blending contemporary styles with academic realism in my recent works. I was also honored to win first place in portrait drawing at DARA, for which I’m deeply proud. 

Elena working on a portrait study from a live model, Rosanna.

What is it about portraiture in particular that most interests you?
ELENA: Portraiture is the most complicated subject to learn, especially when approached realistically, because it includes all the different aspects of drawing and painting. I’m definitely aspiring to absorb this craftsmanship as fully as possible! It teaches me a lot about how to observe any subject matter in my work on a technical level. Another important aspect of my interest is that it allows me to explore the complexity of human emotions and identity. I think it’s a powerful medium to tell individual stories and to capture subtle expressions that reveal deep layers of personality.​

Which of the drawings you made this trimester was your favourite, and why?
ELENA: I actually have two favorites! Both were drawn from the same point of view: a portrait of Monica and a portrait of Jordy. I really like how softly they turned out, and I especially enjoyed the design decisions I made together with Mischa, the instructor, during the process. These two works are the ones I’m most proud of this term - especially since not every drawing went as smoothly as these did.​
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Portrait study of Monica in graphite, by Elena Dove

Portrait study of Jordi in graphite, by Elena Dove

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​Can you tell us a little about your personal work, and what motivates you as an artist?
ELENA: In my work, I often focus on portraying women, exploring their roles and creating narratives that celebrate their complexity. Inspired by my mother’s resilience and care, I present women as multifaceted beings - capable of both gentleness and power - often shown in quiet, reflective moments where true strength begins within.

I draw inspiration from Icelandic and Dutch nature, as well as mythological elements, merging feminine forms with rugged textures to symbolize inner resilience. I often paint skin in unconventional colors, especially blue, to express vulnerability, solitude, and the private emotions we all carry. These tones invite viewers to connect with raw, universal feelings of loneliness, sensuality, and openness. By blending contemporary influences with academic realism, I aim to explore the unseen depth of women’s experiences, highlighting both their fragility and their strength.

The Selkies, oil on linen by Elena Dove

The Apogee of the Shadow, oil on canvas by Elena Dove

Portrait of Self, oil on canvas by Elena Dove

Graphite portrait study by Elena Dove

​Thank you, Elena! Where should people look to find more of your work?
ELENA: You can see more of my work on Instagram: @elenadove.art and on my website.