Monique Rilke

Your work is deeply rooted in personal photographs. What draws you to a particular moment or scene when deciding what to capture?

When I am deciding what to capture I usually let myself be enchanted by the moment and feeling, the atmosphere etc. Then I sort what to draw and what not, at least for the moment.

You describe yourself as a “full-time dreamer”. How does this mindset influence your artistic process and final compositions?

My “full-time dreamer” personality affects me a lot. In the beginning of every painting I usually look at the original photo to let the inspiration do its work. In process it often switches to some kind of surrealism and I let it flow as it comes.

Monique Rilke | Jaroslav Felled Trees in the Meanders | 2026

Color plays a very strong emotional role in your paintings. How do you choose your color palettes for each piece?

I really like vibrant colours and experimenting with them. But because I really love the game of coincidence, I try to challenge myself with it. Every painting has base of three colours from different brands. I made a list of all colours I own and then I put them randomly together (according to same number in list) and I try to compose what I feel and see, at least for now. In future, who knows.

Many of your landscapes feel both real and slightly surreal. How do you balance observation and imagination in your work?

In my painting there is both realism and surrealism and I don’t know in advance what’s going to come. I often let my hand and my mind do what they want. It’s like project of two different personalities and I like this “everytime surprise”.

Monique Rilke | Marcela at a Lavish Feast | 2025

Nature appears to be a recurring subject in your work. What does the natural environment mean to you personally and artistically?

Nature plays a major role in my paintings. If I don’t paint landscapes, it’s usually close-up of some flower, sky with buildings etc. Nature enviroment is place where I can let myself be inspired and to breathe freely. So personally it’s freedom and joy and artistically it’s inspiration, coincidence and colours.

Your paintings often evoke a strong sense of atmosphere and stillness. What emotions or experiences are you hoping to convey to the viewer?

I would like to bring calmness and imminence to the viewer, moment that feels like forever but lasts a blink of eye. These are always moments when I have to take a little deeper breath than usual.

Monique Rilke | With Vojtěch Beyond the Fields | 2026

Some of your works feature unusual color choices (such as purple skies or golden landscapes). What role does abstraction play in your practice?

Abstraction plays some role in my practice. Most of time it’s my imagination what makes it. For example what it would be like to live on a different planet? And what if sky was not appering blue? What if plants were not green etc. Imagination is my best friend.