Ivars Jansons was born in Latvia. After completing his secondary education Ivars took up architectural studies where the opportunity arose to express him self artistically so he would often produce small watercolor studies.
In 1964 Ivars turned professional and in 1967 held his first solo exhibition in Green Glades Gallery Melbourne, one of many successful exhibitions which were sold out within an hour of opening. Painting trips locally and interstate were very much a part of Ivars career. In 1969 he painted extensively in New Zealand and in 1972 traveled overseas to expand his knowledge in art. Leonard Fuller was Ivars teacher at the St Ives School of Painting.