About Elena

At heart, I'm an oil painter — it's where I feel most at home, layering colour and light on canvas until a portrait comes alive. But acroyoga opened up something different in me: movement, trust, the beautiful tension between two bodies in balance. I wanted to capture that feeling, and watercolor turned out to be the perfect medium for it.

This site is dedicated to that watercolor work. Every commission starts with a real moment — your photo from a jam, a festival, a sunny afternoon in the park. I study the pose, the light, the emotion, and then I translate it into flowing washes of colour with lush natural backgrounds that bring the scene to life.

My style here is vibrant and organic. I love painting nature — autumn leaves, cherry blossoms, lakes, gardens — as the backdrop for acroyoga. Watercolor gives each piece a unique, breathing quality that feels alive and warm, quite different from oil but just as close to my heart.

When you commission a painting, you're not just getting art for your wall. You're preserving a moment that matters to you, transformed into something you can hold and keep forever.

Oil painting self-portrait of Elena

Self-portrait in oil

What Clients Say

Every painting tells a story — here's what my clients have to say about theirs.

Elena captured our acroyoga practice beautifully. The colours are so vibrant and full of life — it’s like she froze our favourite moment in time.

Anna & MarcoGoogle Review

I commissioned a painting as a gift for my partner and it exceeded all expectations. The attention to detail and the watercolor technique is stunning.

Sophie L.Google Review

From the first photo I sent to the final painting arriving at my door, Elena was professional and communicative. The result is absolutely gorgeous.

David K.Google Review

Follow along on Instagram

See new paintings, behind-the-scenes process videos, and more.

@empanadilla on Instagram