A Day in the Studio of Mirek Kuzniar

Growing up in an artistic family, Mirek Kuzniar began painting at a young age. In his works, mainly painted using the palette knife and oil colours, Kuzniar constantly presents us with the beautiful life. His preferred motifs are landscapes, city scenes and couples in love, which he captures with intense colours in expressive works. Mirek Kuzniar's works radiate liveliness and reflect the marvellous freshness of everyday life.

We visited the artist in his studio in Heilbronn, Germany, and spoke to him about his works and working methods.

Mirek Kuzniar, how did you become interested in art? 

My grandfather was a painter, so I was exposed to colours from childhood. I have always painted. As a child, animals and people were my favourite subjects. I only started painting landscapes much later.

When did you realise that you wanted to become an artist?

When I was about 15/16 years old, I had my first exhibitions with the idea that it could become something in the future.

What inspires you?

For me, the vibrancy of a moving scenery is inspiring. A cityscape with people strolling and individuals in a street café. And repeatedly, couples in love holding hands or hugging. Even when I'm painting a landscape, I include people to create movement. And radiant colours that give the artwork energy.

Which artist has had the greatest influence on you and your work?

During my youth, "Die Brücke". Later on, I was drawn to the French impressionists: Renoir, Monet, Sisley, and Pissarro. There was also a time when I was fascinated by Dalí.

Where is your favourite place to paint?

At home, in front of the window. I have wonderful light here. I live on the 7th floor. It is on the top floor of the house. There's no shadow. No trees. Everything is open and bright. I feel free here. In my previous flat, I had set up a studio. But I felt like a stranger there and couldn't concentrate on painting. I need my familiar environment.

What does a typical day in your life as an artist look like?

I start painting between 10 and 11 am. I take a break from 12 to 2 pm. By around 6.30 pm the painting is finished. I paint all my pictures in one day. Unless it's a very large size, in which case I split it into two days. When I paint during the day, I don't want to be disturbed at all. I put all my energy into the artwork. The faster a picture is painted, the more dynamic it is.

What material and techniques do you prefer to use?

I mainly paint with a palette knife and oil colours on canvas. I use a small brush for the signature on the front. Otherwise, the whole painting is painted with palette knives.

What was your most memorable experience?

In 2020, two podcasters on an Austrian radio station discussed my painting "The Smoker" for almost an hour. I didn't even recognise all of the aspects of this artwork that the two speakers saw. It was impressive, with a very amused eye.

What advice would you give to young artists who are just beginning?

Sketch a lot. Don't focus on just one subject, instead work on different motifs. This makes it easier to paint people, architecture or certain objects later on. Try out different techniques. If you want to paint with palette knives, as I do, you should start with small sizes so that the artwork can be finished in one session or one day. It's a wet-on-wet technique. The next day, when the colour dries a bit, it's hard to continue.

Have you discovered another artist on artSOLITAIRE whose work you admire?

I've always been a loner. And so, I only deal with my art. I don't want to measure myself against or mix with other artists. I'm following my own path and don't look left or right at others but straight ahead, concentrating on my work.

What do you think you would be doing today if you hadn't become an artist?

A Musician. A rock guitarist.

Do you have a current favourite piece of art among your own works?

Almost all my works are also my favourites, otherwise, I wouldn't have published them. Of course, I like one or two pictures more than the others. I think the picture "Neuschwanstein Castle", which I painted this year, is fantastic.

Which exhibition or award are you particularly proud of? Or are you currently planning an exhibition?

There are many things I'm proud of. For example, having one of my pictures featured in a 9th-grade high school textbook. In October 2023, one of my works made it onto the cover of Fuji Television in Tokyo for a month. Fuji Television is one of Japan's largest TV networks. Also, at the end of 2023, the German government acquired one of my paintings as a gift for the state of Cuba.

Do you have any wishes for your future? What are your aspirations and goals?

Health. And that my art continues to resonate with people in the future.

Thank you for the interview!

Discover all of Mirek Kuzniar's works now on artSOLITAIRE.de/en.