Art, at its best, is as much about showing up as it is about raw talent. That is a philosophy Olena Babak takes seriously, rooted in discipline, an honest work ethic, and a devotion to the studio as a space for daily practice
“I truly believe you have to put in honest hours,” Olena explains. “You might have a successful day, you might not, but you have to show up. I don’t think I ever work less than 40 hours a week.”
For Olena, each day in the studio is carefully structured. Coffee in hand, she heads in early, works until lunch with a walk to clear her mind, then continues painting until dusk. This is not just routine but a commitment to treating creativity as real work that demands rigor and consistency.
The studio itself is an essential part of that discipline. Built at home, it is designed to maximize light. Perfect northern skylights fill the space even on overcast winter days. This natural illumination is not just convenient but transformative.
“I don’t think I’ve ever had light like this in any studio before,” she says. “Even on overcast days, it’s perfect. I’m spoiled. I can work all winter without artificial light, which makes me see colors better and stay more alert.”
Changing Tide 8x6 Oil $725
Harbor’s Glow 48x24 Oil $8000
Swimming Beach Monhegan 12x16 Oil $1700
That attention to detail carries over to her approach to materials. While rooted in oil painting traditions, she embraces experimentation. Her toolkit ranges from fine synthetic and bristle brushes to palette knives, rubber rollers, and even house-paint brushes. Paper towels and rubber-tipped tools are essential for carving and shaping, especially in figurative work.
“I guess I’m mostly traditional, but I like to experiment,” she explains. “It depends on the size, the subject, and the stage of the painting. When I’m working on fields or marshes, I’ll use one approach. With the ocean, I might lean on bristle and synthetic brushes. It’s all about responding to what the painting needs.”
This willingness to adapt also defines her approach to the process. For Olena, painting is a dynamic balance between the spontaneity of plein air work and the contemplative focus of the studio. She often begins large pieces outdoors, capturing the mood, light, and color on-site, before bringing them back to refine in her studio.
Angelique 24x30 Oil $5500
Back to Harbor 9x12 Oil $1300
“I want to respond to the moment, get the color, mood, values right there. Then in the studio, I process and refine. Outdoors is fast and reactionary. The studio is more contemplative.”
This philosophy guided her preparations for this show. She spent time in Kennebunk, painting beaches and marshes in person to ensure the work carries an authentic sense of place.
“I need that energy from the outside to come in,” she says. “It’s about combining personal vision with reactionary painting so the work truly feels of the place.”
Golden Reflections 30x40 Oil $8000
In the Sunshine 12x16 Oil $1600
First lLght Monhegan 18x24 Oil $3200
Of course, being a contemporary artist means wearing many hats. Olena is not just a painter but also manages packing, planning, writing, and handling the logistics of exhibitions while maintaining her creative focus.
“There are a lot of hats creative people have to wear nowadays. Visual arts, music, writing, it’s all the same. But for me, the most important thing is to show up. It’s amazing what can happen if you show up.”
In a time when art is often reduced to quick images on screens, Olena Babak’s practice is a reminder of the value of steady dedication, the magic of simply being present with the work, and the beauty that emerges when disciplined craft meets inspired exploration.
Maine Art Hill invites art lovers, collectors, and coastal wanderers alike to a stunning new show featuring the work of three New England artists: William B. Hoyt, Margaret Gerding, and Olena Babak. The show will be held at 5 Chase Hill Road, Kennebunk. Experience the work and celebrate another extraordinary summer of art on the coast of Maine. The show runs until August 6th, and the gallery is open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM. FMI www.maine-art.com or 207-967-2803.