From a 5-year pause to painting across Andalusia: My new interview

I have something special to share with you today.

I was recently interviewed by the wonderful team at Open Call for Artists for a feature article. They asked me a question that really made me reflect: "What does art look like after a five-year pause?"

In the interview, I open up about a time in my life when I stopped creating completely, and how moving to Spain finally reawakened my artistic soul.

👉 You can read the full, personal interview here on Open Call for Artists.

Making up for lost time

Reading that interview made me realize something: that "pause" is exactly why I am so hungry to create now. I feel like I am making up for lost time!

That is why I am always innovating in the studio. I don't like to sit still. I am constantly switching between oil paintings, bold acrylics, and my new obsession: large-format watercolors.

I am also traveling constantly to capture different lights, splitting my creative time between the landscapes of France and the vibrant sun of Spain.

My adventures in Andalusia (Pintura Rápida)

This new energy has led me to the world of Pintura Rápida (plein air contests). I just can't get enough of the adrenaline of painting live!

Lately, I have been traveling all over Andalusia and the Costa del Sol, participating in contests in some of the most beautiful cities:

The historic streets of Granada (and towns like Loja).

The beautiful provinces of Sevilla and Córdoba (in towns like Pedro Abad and Guadalcázar).

And of course, right here at home in Málaga and Torremolinos.

Bringing this experience to 'Sip and Paint'

This is what I love most: I get to bring all this experience back to my students.

When you join one of my Sip and Paint events in Málaga, you aren't just getting a teacher who stays in the studio. You are getting an artist who is out there every week, painting in the streets of Andalusia, learning new techniques, and winning prizes.

I pour all that passion and technical knowledge (whether it's oils, watercolors, or acrylics) right into our workshops.

Read the full story

If you want to understand why I paint with so much joy and energy today, you have to understand where I came from.

I invite you to read the full story of my journey. It is a celebration of second chances and the power of finding your place in the world.

Read the full interview on Open Call for Artists

Thank you for being part of this journey!

With love,

Maryna