Paulina Wróblewska

How did your journey as a self-taught artist begin?

Before I started painting on canvas, I spent a lot of time drawing digitally – using a stylus pencil on a graphic tablet. I created countless realistic sketches, and I think that’s where I really built my artistic foundation. I learned to observe, understand proportions, light, and shadow. Painting came a bit later – quite spontaneously. I picked up a brush one day just to try, and I immediately felt that this was what I wanted to do. I’ve been painting ever since. I never went to art school – everything I know, I learned on my own through trial, mistake, and persistence.

Why did you choose big cats as the main subject of your work?

Big cats have something deeply magnetic about them. Their power, grace, and presence fascinate me. There’s a wildness in them, but also a sense of calm and dignity. I feel a strong connection with them. Through my paintings, I try to tell stories – not just about the animals themselves, but also about strength, vulnerability, and emotion. They allow me to express what I sometimes can’t put into words.

Your work features a striking level of realism. What techniques do you use to achieve such detail?

I work mainly with acrylic paints, which let me build up layers and work very precisely. Before I even touch the canvas, I spend a lot of time analyzing the reference photo – studying the anatomy, texture, and light. Once I’m happy with the base, I transfer it to canvas and build the painting layer by layer. I always start with a sketch directly on the canvas to map out proportions and key areas. I often revisit the same section multiple times until the result feels just right.

What emotions or messages do you aim to convey through the intense gazes of the animals you paint?

For me, the eyes are everything. I want the painting to look back at the viewer – to create a connection that lingers. Through those gazes, I try to express emotions: strength, sadness, alertness, even vulnerability. I hope my paintings make people pause, feel something, and reflect – even for a moment.

How long does it usually take you to complete a large-scale painting?

It depends on the complexity and size, but usually between four weeks of focused work. Large formats like 120 × 100 cm are technically and emotionally demanding. I often work on several paintings at the same time to keep a fresh perspective.

Do you work from photos, live observation, or imagination?

Mostly from photos, but I create my own compositions. I often combine multiple references, adjust the lighting, and modify the setup digitally before I start painting. Sometimes I add something purely from imagination, guided by intuition – but I always stay true to realism.

Which animal was the most difficult to portray and why?

Probably the black panther. Capturing its form and the way light plays on dark fur is incredibly challenging. It’s easy to lose depth or overdo the contrast. But when it works, the result can be truly hypnotic.