Summer 2008
Irina spent the entire summer in Europe. The majority of her stay was in Latvia, where she enjoyed time reconnecting with many relatives and introducing her 15-months old daughter to them. Kovnacka had an opportunity to participate in the outdoor paint-out sponsored by the county where she was born. She was happy to reconnect with many of her old course mates from the Latvian Academy of Art, who are now prominent professional artists. Irina spent one week painting outdoors by a beautiful lake in the heart of Latvia; she enjoyed the opportunity to be immersed in art and to be able to paint all day long without a worry about anything else! The paint out was featured in the local paper and culminated with an outdoor art show. Irina left all of her works displayed in a local gallery and gave a few pieces to her parents as their birthday presents. Pictured: Irina Kovnacka next to her works at the paint-out.
In addition, Irina also traveled to Rome and Florence, Italy, where she visited all the major art museums and sites. She brought back many photos and impressions, and she is currently working on a new series of paintings dedicated to her travels.