Mateja Koltaj

I am a watercolour artist, with a focus on the atmospheric effects not detailed realism, to create evocative work that meaningfully engages viewers. Be it landscape, cityscape, portraiture, flowers, animals or still life, my aim is to communicate subject’s impression through contrast of colour, light and texture in its raw beauty that traverses its temporality and becomes a piece to be admired with every glance anew. I enjoy most when painting on larger sheets that allow expressive, organic, spontaneous brushstrokes. 

I find watercolour responsive, inviting collaboration, and most rewarding way to paint as pigments bloom, unexpected textures appear, and beauty emerges from ‘planed unpredictability’. I find it delicate, transparent, luminous and soft, yet powerful, dramatic and bold, and endlessly mixable, allowing a myriad spectrum of tones that add to vibrancy and interest. 

Watercolour transformed my experience of art as it teaches me to trust the creative process when proportioning water with pigments, be patient, welcome spontaneity and embrace the unexpected - lessons that translate beyond the art itself. 

I am honoured my artwork has sold internationally, won competitions and is exhibited regularly. 

You are welcome to look at some of my artwork at https://www.instagram.com/mateja.k.art/