Voldemārs Irbe, also known as Irbīte or Irbītis (1893–1944), was a Latvian artist. He worked mainly in pastel, painting landscapes—mostly views of city outskirts—genre scenes, and also portraits. His works are characterized by an expressive approach to composition and colour. He was well known in society for his eccentric appearance and behaviour. Irbīte is often described as a man with a long, uncombed beard and hair; he always walked barefoot, even in winter. He was invariably seen wearing a black, coat-like garment, and was frequently spotted in the streets sitting with his legs crossed beneath him, drawing with his self-made pastels. As Irbītis himself reportedly said: “If your feet are bare and cold, your head works faster.” Very few verifiable facts about Voldemārs Irbe have survived—there are more legends and anecdotes than documented details.