Painting from the heart

Leeton-based artist Ivanka Jakopec joins the Western Riverina Arts Trail this month.

The painter finds inspiration everywhere, from nature and architecture as well as her imagination.

She has said her paintings reflect "places, times, stages, fascinations and feelings".

Since moving to the Riverina from Melbourne in 2010, Mrs Jakopec has exhibited regularly and entered the Penny Panniz Art Prize each year.

She currently tutors art in a range of styles and mediums on Monday mornings at the Leeton Visitor Information Centre. Classes cover topics including composition, colour and various mediums.

Mrs Jakopec suffered a fall in 2002 and it was during her recovery that she started painting, after recalling her childhood passion for art.

In the years since she has developed skills using oils and says she loves to paint buildings and people, including celebrities such as Elvis Presley, Michael Jackson and Elizabeth Taylor.

Other works feature Mrs Jakopec's daughter and grandson, emphasising the importance of family to her.