Irina Ashcraft

I was born in Latvia and lived there the first twenty years of my life. I fell in love with art at a very early age, and my passion lead me to pursuing art in college. I earned my B.F.A. in Oil Painting from Latvian Academy of Art in 1998. I came to Orlando, FL, in 1999, and now make my home here. I have since been presenting my work at several local and European galleries, art festivals and shows. Some examples are a one-woman art show at the Gallery on Cork Street in London, UK, Artist of the Month at the Orlando Museum of Art Gift Shop Gallery, and poster artist in numerous art festivals in Central Florida. Most notable, however, has been my success as a prominent emerging fine artist on Sothebys.com between 1999 and 2003. My auction sales records are listed in the prestigious MAYER 2000-01 and 2002 International Auction Guide (currently Artprice.com.) 

In 2006, I completed my M.A. in Art Education at the University of Central Florida. In addition to my professional artist’s career, I teach art at Trinity Preparatory school in Winter Park, FL, as well as conduct workshops and private lessons to students of all ages. In 2017, I received J. Hinkley Excellence Award from the Florida Art Education Association. 

I enjoy painting, both in my studio and outdoors (en plein air), and have participated in the Winter Park Paint Out for over 15 years. I’m also passionate about working with natural dyes and eco-printing on both paper and fabric.