Erik Dzenis: Artist

Erik Dzenis Memorial Art Show at the Latvian Canadian Cultural Center in Toronto Canada 2014

 Acrylic Portrait: Karen Kain Prima Ballerina

Alex, Andrew, Ed

 Andrew Suzanne Alex

Sketch: George Ballenchine New York City Ballet

ErikDzenis - born in Latvia 1925,
"Erik … joined the Academy of Arts in Riga, … During the Second World War, his talents were put to work in the underground resistance movement, where he provided graphics, documents, sketches, and paintings,… In 1950, he was hired by TDF Artists Ltd., and over the next 27 years Erik's commercial illustrations appeared in many nationwide ad campaigns, including Laura Secord, General Motors, Ford, Chrysler, and many others. His commercial work played a role in the shaping of North American culture…. by the ‘60s, Erik was drawing and painting the dancers of major ballet companies. The art of dance became his study for the next 30 years….Erik was also in demand for commissions of fine art oil and pastel portraits for many prominent Canadian business and government officials." [source - CAPIC

"When Erik draws a fine line, he makes it look easy. His ability to capture a likeness in the first few seconds of drawing is where the composition takes shape; and from there, the sky’s the limit. His artistic discipline is the human form – in any setting. He is a master artist in various mediums and is well known for his classic oil portraits."
Star Portraits

 Pencil Sketch: Rudolf Nureyev

Oil Portrait

The haunting beautiful Laura Secord
Erik painted all the original miniature oil paintings for the Laura Secord logo appearing on all their products for 30 years.  It was a tradition for the miniature to go mysteriously missing every time a CEO retired. Erik was hired to replace each and everyone.

 Erik also illustrated The Jolly Green Giant for about 30 years.

Erik and Aija 1965