Lira's artistic talent was discovered early, as she finished her first portrait at 6 years of age.  She was privately tutored in Russia and received numerous awards.

Before immigrating to the United States, Lira traveled to Rome and Vienna where she was inspired to paint from many of the great masters. Her favored medium is oil in the Classical Realism style. Lira incorporates rich, contrasting colors in her artwork, with emotion and drama.