Have you met Anna Matykiewicz?

Anna Matykiewicz is an artist from Poland, living and working in Ireland. Anna does not limit herself to one technique or set of materials when creating her big, graphic, emotionally driven portraits.

Her artwork mixes acrylic, ink, oil, and watercolors to create beautifully dynamic and layered imagery. The color palette combined with the shadow work in her mixed media creations is entrancing.

The way the subjects in her work are carefully curated to become a piece of their background and abstract environment; creating this sense of abstract realism. Once I was able to pull my focus from these magnificent in size and beauty, I reached out to Anna to ask her a few questions.

"In a recent series of illustration/paintings, in which my focus point is on female portraits, features, and emotions which accompanies them. This is a story where darkness meets a beauty, about internal fight, where demons become best friends in the name of survival and becomes an even stronger. Free-flowing portrait where sullenness meets vibrancy”

Anna Matykiewicz, in Obb is in Love with Anna Mat, 2015

source: http://www.oobmag.com/oob-is-in-love-with-anna-mat/

What do you want readers to know about the artists behind the art?

I'm a painter based in Ireland, Co. Wicklow. I'm interested in psychology, true crime stories, and good classic movies.

Tell us about your art.

I'm an expressive and intuitive portrait painter. My work doesn't represent any particular person, I use some random image for eyes as the reference point but my art is about expressing some particular mood rather than copying an already existing appearance.

How did your relationship with art begin?

I got inspiration from my mother as she's also a painter. Also once I discovered my talent and freedom that art creation gives me, I set my goal, to eventually do this full time.

How did you get to be where you are with art today?

After I emigrated to Ireland in 2003 I've been working in many fields not related to art. But it took lots of energy from me and I didn't enjoy my life at all. So it came to the point that I found enough courage to quit my corporate job and transfer this energy into art.

What has been the best moment in your art career?

There is no particular moment, but every time I receive positive feedback from my collectors I feel very grateful.

Who or what influences your work?

I just absorb everything which surrounds me.

If you could pass on advice to a young artist, what would you say? And why?

Stay honest and consistent, don't compare yourself with others. Everyone has their own journey and it takes time, both to develop artistically and build up a portfolio and network. This advice is based on my own experience.

What would you say are the top three things you need in order to be an artist?

As above honesty, consistency, and nonconformism.

You can find & purchase Anna's artwork at Saatchi Art

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