ABOUT | artbykerli

My Story

Portrait art

Drawing is my passion. Ever since childhood I showed an interest in drawing and everything related with it. I studied in one of the art schools in Tallinn for 12 years and I realized back then that drawing is the core of my existence. For me, it is the most immediate expression of seeing, thinking and feeling.

I have always had an enduring fascination and love for animals and drawing them was a natural choice for me when I first started taking commissions. Today I also enjoy drawing people and why not something else completely – architecture, vehicles etc. I am always looking forward to new challenges whether it’s a single drawing or a full book of them!

I drew my first commissioned drawing when I was 15 years old. It was of a Newfoundland dog. I have drawn over 60 different dog breeds (and mutts of course) since then and the number is rapidly growing. Dogs are the most popular subject and clearly I don't mind as I love dogs and I absolutely enjoy drawing them.

Illustrations

I also love drawing wildlife. When I was little I used to flick through some wildlife encyclopedia and draw the pictures in it - wild cats, birds, wild horses running with their manes going all crazy in the wind and so on.

In 2010 I illustrated my first book. It was about the most common winter garden birds in Estonia. Three years later I had the chance to illustrate the summer garden birds book. In the same year I also managed to make drawings for a book about wolves. Besides these three I have drawn illustrations for two school workbooks. I hope this is only the beginning and there are many books to come!

Where I live & family

I live in Estonia, a beautiful country in Europe. I was born in Tallinn and I've lived here ever since. My beloved boyfriend and my family also live in the city. Animal lovers as we are, we have always had pets. My first pet was a grey cockatiel named Tuti. He was without a doubt my best friend in the whole world, I grew up with him and he always kept me company when I was working. I loved him dearly. Sadly he passed away when he was 13 years old. Right now we have two cockatiels - a whiteface cinnamon pied boy named Hugo and a lutino boy named Yoko. They bring us a lot of joy and laughter!

When I first started taking commissions I couldn't even imagine becoming something international, but I displayed my work on foreign sites and I was pleasantly surprised how much support I got! It is very important to me to get in touch with the rest of the world. I have drawn portraits to many wonderful people from all over the world. Most of my artwork is hanging on the walls in Estonia, but some of them also in Finland, Italy, Hungary, United Kingdom, United States, Australia and even Dubai. Creating art has given me so many opportunities in life as well as given me so many good friends and acquaintances from all over the world whether they are clients or fellow artists.

My other interests

I have always been very passionate about photography. Most of all I love taking pictures of animals - I find it challenging because they rarely stand still. It's never boring to capture a puppy! I have also done a lot of experimental photography and I've enjoyed every minute of it. Right now I've been concentrating more on my artwork so I haven't held a camera for a while, but hopefully in the future I have more time to do so!

I also love making videos and video editing. This is something I recently discovered. I've always enjoyed watching videos of creating art and one day I decided to try it out myself. Right now I am starting out with a youtube channel so I could bring the process of drawing to other people.

Last but not least I have to admit I am a true video game enthusiast. Although I've loved playing games since I was a child, my boyfriend has pushed me to a point where I've become a true nerd playing all types of games from singleplayers to MMORPG-s, you name it!

Workspace

I'm working as a portrait artist from my home, so this is where my workspace is. I absolutely love spending time at home - the environment is calm and I get the best inspiration in here. I also get to spend a lot of time with my family - they have always been very supportive of what I do and I'm so thankful for them! I really love what I do, because being an artist is not just a job, it's a lifestyle! I absolutely live and breathe art and I enjoy watching it aswell as creating it!

Thank you!

A great portrait drawing goes far beyond merely capturing likeness. An artist, unlike a photographer, has infinite opportunities to edit what she’s observed playing things up or down in order to create something that goes far beyond the surface. I constantly strive to reach the highest artistic plateaus in order to achieve my goal which is to create a drawing that will not only meet but will surpass all expectations.

I have to say it makes me very happy to know that I can use my talent to bring joy into the lives of others. It’s so exciting to consider the possibility that one day my drawing may become a cherished heirloom, providing deep meaning for many generations to come.

I want to thank all my clients for making living my dream possible. You made me who I am as an artist today. Without you I couldn’t be doing this :)