Mateja Marinko - My Journey into Art

My Journey into Art

How I Became an Artist and Why I Believe in the Power of Art

When I close my eyes and think of my childhood, I remember the smell of paints, drawing on paper, and that feeling of freedom that comes with creating. The love for painting has always been a part of me, but life took me on a different path for a while.

My first education was in economics, so I spent many years working in the business world, 15 years surrounded by numbers and financial reports. It was a world of rules, precision, and responsibility, but deep inside I always longed for colors, creativity, and the expression of emotions. One day, I realized I needed a change. My heart guided me back to what I loved the most – art.

In 2016, I allowed myself to dream and paint again. With the support of my family and the guidance of academic painter Nataša Jan Virant, I upgraded my skills and learned new techniques. That was the moment I started building a new path – the path of an artist who creates from the heart.

Why Art? Why Do I Believe in Its Power?

For me, art is more than a hobby or work – it is a form of expression, a language that speaks louder than words. I believe that a painting brings emotions and beauty into every home. Portraits are my greatest passion because people are an endless source of inspiration. Every face tells a story – of happiness, love, hope, or even sadness.

What fascinates me the most are the eyes. To me, eyes are the mirror of the soul. When I paint them, I try to capture the depth, mystery, and energy of a person. This is why I believe that an artwork is not just a decoration – it carries energy, a message, and the soul of its creator.

In recent years, I have painted more than 500 portraits. Each one is unique and created for a specific person. The greatest joy for me is when I receive a message of gratitude, knowing that my artwork brings happiness somewhere far away, in another home, in another country.

Original Colorful Watercolor Portrait - Aquarelle Female Empowerment Art

This stunning Beautiful girl - Face painting is an original, colorful watercolor portrait that exudes beauty and empowerment.

Made by hand with high-quality watercolor paints, this aquarelle artwork is created on natural white, matte, heavy art paper, ensuring durability and a professional finish. T

Portrait of a woman evoke a sense of calm and confidence, making it an ideal housewarming gift for someone special.  Commission a portrait of a child, portrait of a man, portrait of a woman, or even a beloved pet, and create a meaningful keepsake that will be treasured for generations. My remembrance portraits offer comfort and a way to preserve the memory of a loved one, while our character drawing and custom portraiture bring imagination and personality to life in a stunning artistic form.  Timeless Old Man Portrait – Original Oil Painting
This soulful oil portrait of an elderly man, painted with rich, expressive brushstrokes, captures a lifetime of wisdom and emotion.

A truly one-of-a-kind piece, this artwork brings warmth and depth to any space, whether as a striking addition to a home gallery or a meaningful gift for someone special.

Created with high-quality oil colors on canvas, this portrait celebrates the beauty of age, experience, and character.

My Inspiration and Life with Art

I am a mother of four wonderful children, a wife, and an artist. I live with my husband and kids in a small village surrounded by beautiful nature that inspires me every day. We spend a lot of time walking with our dog Ajka, exploring the forest, gardening, and creating. Nature gives me peace, colors, and shapes that I later transfer onto the canvas.

When I’m not in my studio, you will often find me reading. Books open new worlds for me and help me understand people and life. I also love practicing yoga – it’s my time to reconnect with myself.

Why Portraits?

Because I believe that every person is beautiful. My job is to capture that beauty on canvas and make it eternal. A portrait is something deeply personal, something that stays and reminds us of love, family, and friendship. That’s why I say portraits are not just artworks – they are emotional treasures.

I am grateful for my talent and for the opportunity to bring joy and beauty into homes and hearts all around the world.

If you would like me to create something special just for you, feel free to contact me. I can’t wait to tell a new story through a new face on my canvas.

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