How long have I been painting?

How long have I been painting?

Drawing and coloring were my favorite things to do as a child. As a preschooler, I drew a lot with colored pencils and loved coloring books. I didn't stop when I was in elementary school, and it wasn't until I was in fourth grade that I knew for sure that I wanted to take drawing more seriously.

During my elementary school years, I mainly made black and white drawings with graphite and charcoal, and then in high school I increasingly used colored pencils. At that time, photorealistic drawing was the closest thing to me. Later, I also tried acrylic and oil paints, which I liked, but I felt that something was still missing.

I was introduced to watercolors in elementary school drawing classes, but I really fell in love with them during my first year of university, when I bought an Anilinky palette. I did a lot of portraits, presented my work at several exhibitions. Then I bought my first professional watercolor palette and the love affair has been unbroken ever since. By the way, I also enjoy working with oil pastels, gouache paint and alcohol markers.

Why do I paint?

Simply because I love it and it makes my life feel complete. This is me, I don't know what to do without it. I try to convey my momentary and temporary emotions and thoughts through portraits. However, there are also those when the expression of emotions is less emphasized (e.g. landscapes, gouache paintings). Many people say that it is just a hobby, but for me it is not just a hobby, because it is my life. I could pair painting with these words: refuge, self-expression, me-time, therapy, discovery, freedom, silence.

Why watercolor?

Of all the techniques I've tried so far, only watercolor painting has given me the freedom that painting gives me. Furthermore, the specific nature of the technique makes it easier for me to express my emotions on paper.