Interviewing Maja Wronska (takmaj)

You're a freshly graduated architect, am I correct? When did you realize for the first time that this is something you want to do with your life?

Yes, you are – I’m very happy about it. Well, to be honest, it all started when I was just a baby. My mom is an architect, she never forced me to be one, but, well, I just get some of her passion in my blood. When I was a kid, she let me color drawing designs of facades, and sometimes she showed those drawings to actual clients! I was so proud when she wasn’t ashamed of my drawings and I have to say that I was only 5 years old. In addition, we always have millions of colored pencils and all range of paints at home, and I could use them all the time, besides they were meant for professional usage, not for 4 or 5 years’ old children.






What makes watercolor your favorite artistic medium? Did you ever try acrylic or oil, painting on canvas?

Yes, I painted with acrylic, but I hated how messy they are. I never used all paints, some of them I wasted and I never liked it. Watercolors are easy, clean and wonderful.







Your gallery is one of the most cheerful places to see when browsing through DeviantArt. How do you pick colors for your next painting?

Wow, thank you. Well, before every painting, I browse the Internet and look for some photos to see the climate etc. When I think about a building or a city, I see the whole picture in my mind with colors and tones I should use.






Have you ever painted portraits or other subjects that does not connect to architecture?

I can say that architectural art is my area of expertise. I believe people should learn some basics and principles before painting any subject. I know a lot of construction rules, have a knowledge about historical and contemporary buildings, so even when I paint or draw some made up buildings, they still could exist and work. It really makes me upset when I look at someone's architectural drawing and see that there is no possible way people could walk into the building from the picture, or it could collapse, or the worst thing - perspective is messed up. I might be old-fashioned but I think it’s better to learn basics first and then start to show off That’s why I never upload any portraits. What’s more, I create artwork that I personally would hang on my wall, cause I’m not a fan of people's faces "staring" at me from the pictures. But of course it’s my personal opinion, I don’t want to be offensive.






How large is an average piece painted by you and how long does it take to finish it?

I usually paint on a paper that is 42cm high and 56wide, and it takes me about 4-5 hours.






Tell us about your favorites tools of the trade, what kinds do you use?

I use White Night’s watercolor and pretty random paper, sometimes Fabriano, sometimes not. I have 3 brushes (two of them are borrowed from my friend 8 years ago ). In my humble opinion what really matters is the ability and the strong will, not the tool you use.






Do you have favorite artists on DeviantArt? Who are they, show us galleries or artworks that we shouldn't overlook.

The deviation which I like the most is El despertar del robot by Thelastsumer, the idea of dancing building is so fresh and funny, I love the colors and everything about that piece of art.
Second is Chills by PascalCampion, I am probably the greatest fan of Pascal's work in the world, I just love everything he draws, especially those family scenes
The last but not least is Imagine This by Trichardsen, I love auroras photos and it's my dream to see that in person one day. I also really like pictures taken by Pajunen


Thank you, takmaj