Larisa Novika: Many Hobbies, With Painting Among Her Favourites

Larisa Novika, whose name has mostly been linked with painting and exhibitions, simply laughs when asked how many hobbies she has: she does not count them. When a new interest appears, she devotes herself to it until other interests come along. The story, published by the regional outlet Staburags, shows how learning new things can give a person strength and inspiration to keep going.

From school drawing lessons to open-air painting

Larisa enjoyed painting back in school, where drawing lessons were a pleasure. After she started working, she learned that the art school held classes for adults. They were led by Taiga Kalvišķe. Later a friend suggested going to Jaunjelgava to see Rasma Rinkēviča, and for a time Larisa painted under her guidance. Together with women from Jaunjelgava she even went for a few days to an open-air painting session by the sea. "That atmosphere is indescribable – waves, sun... It was such a lovely time!" Larisa recalls.

The sea, flowers and poppies

She cannot say whether she prefers landscapes or still lifes; it depends on her mood. For a while she liked painting the sea, and afterwards only flowers. Poppies gave her special enjoyment. "Poppies are so varied! Both in colour and in shape," Larisa says. This year a vivid lilac poppy bloomed in her mother's garden, and she has resolved to paint it.

Occasionally Larisa has painted a specific work on commission. She is glad when the person who receives it is happy too.