Buildings are the kind of thing we just take advantage of. We become so accustomed to their beauty that we forget to draw in a deep breath and be amazed at how impressive they are.
Maja Wrońska is a Polish architect. Following in her mother’s footprints, she paints these glorious images of buildings, so full of emotion and life, it’s as though the bricks themselves are alive. Colour is a huge part of her work, and whether she’s using an understated palette or has gone all out, the images bring the buildings to life. We stock some of these lovely illustrations on products in our shop.
We spoke to Maja about the kind of paper she uses, and how she ended up being obsessed with buildings:
Where did you grow up?
I grew up in the city about 30km away from Warsaw, I attended drawing classes there as a kid.
Have you always been interested in architecture?
Yes, I have. It’s a family thing.
What does your studio look like?
I don’t have one. I work in my room, but I like it very much. It’s upstairs, because we live in detached house, and very spacious. I have a huge desk, few computers and red walls, red bed and green couch, where my dog sleeps.
How do you choose the colours for a piece?
Before every painting I design a colour scheme for the picture, which, in my opinion, fits to the particular city or building best. It’s related to my feelings, the climate etc. Of course, I don’t always succeed.
Which illustrators influence your work?
Well, I don’t allow myself to be influenced by other. I mean, I don’t want to copy anyone, cause it’s not cool, I don’t want to be copied either. I really admire some contemporary digital artists such Pascal Campion and photographers like Tomi Pajunen. I have to say that my greatest inspiration is my Mum. My mum is a great architect in my opinion, and she always was good at drawing too. Of course after graduation she didn’t have much time for drawing, cause she works as architect and it’s her full-time job. She always wanted me to draw well, but she never forced me to draw. When I was a kid she let me colour drawing designs of facades, and sometimes she showed those drawings to actual clients! I was so proud that she wasn’t ashamed of my drawings and I have to say that I was only 5 years old.
What time period interests you the most?
I like contemporary digital illustrators and photographers, and Impressionism in the visual arts.
Do you draw from real life?
I always use photos and my imagination. It’s difficult to sit outdoor in crowded city, with millions of visitors passing through. I tried ones or twice, but there was more talking than painting so I gave up. It was really nice, however I like to paint listening to my favourite music when it’s easy to concentrate. I just take a photo and then paint it, I use my friend’s photos too, sometimes people send me their photos, or I ask the photographer if I can paint his pictures.
What kind of paper do you use?
I use Fabriano paper, 42x56cm, 300g/cm2.
If you could go anywhere in the world, where would you go?
I can go anywhere I want, I think. I’m just not the fan of sightseeing, actually, I hate it. If I could travel in time I would go to the future to check out the trends in architecture and art.
You can see more of Maja‘s work on her website www.takmaj.deviantart.com.