Winter landscape ‘Winter Reflection’ by Tanja Frost
This week’s ‘artwork of the week’ is a winter landscape painting by Slovakian artist Tanja Frost. This tranquil sunrise was created using oil paint. It is ready to hang on a stretched canvas at 73 x 54cm.
Here are Tanja’s words about her work.
In creating this serene winter landscape, I aimed to capture the tranquil yet invigorating essence of a frosty sunrise. Using impressionistic strokes and a realistic approach, I layered oil paints to reflect the soft glow of morning light cascading over a gentle river. This piece embodies a moment of peaceful reflection amidst the quietude of nature.
SEE MORE ARTWORKS BY TANJA FROST
About the Artist
My name is Tanja Frost, I am a full -time artist based in Nitra, Slovakia.
I grew up in a multicultural family. Having lived in five different countries I absorbed the diverse cultures and traditions of various peoples. From a young age I have always been a creatively versatile individual.
My educational journey led me to the field of architecture and design and I’ve worked in various fields over the years. Since 2016 I have dedicated my days to working consistently as an artist.
I honed my artistic skills at the esteemed University of Arts in Bratislava, Slovakia, earning a Bachelor’s degree in Fine Arts. My academic journey, spanning from 2016 to 2020, laid the foundation for the rich tapestry of my creative endeavours.
The filtering sunlight and fleeting moments of interaction with light and movement across a landscape captivate me. The technique I employ in my artworks involves the delicate application of oil on canvas. My attraction to strong, rich colours serves as a defining element in my artistic expression.
My works are in private collections in the US and Europe. I took part in more than 10 exhibitions in Slovakia, Czech Republic and Italy.
QUESTIONS TO THE ARTIST
Firstly, ‘Winter Reflection’ is a beautiful artwork. What techniques did you use to create this piece?
I painted it with oil paints on canvas using a palette knife and brushes. The piece is created in my favourite technique, which blends realistic details with touches of Impressionism.
Is ‘Winter Reflection’ an imaged scene, or is it a place you have visited?
Yes, the scene is a real place, which is not far from the city of Nitra (near river Nitra) where I live. It’s not a park or a marked location, just a simple untouched piece of nature. I love capturing the beauty of naturally growing trees, shrubs, grass, all covered in a picturesque blanket of snow.
Are the scenes you paint from real life, images or both?
I usually draw inspiration from real natural scenes that I encounter. When the weather is favourable, I love going out to paint en plein air. However, I also enjoy creating large-scale canvases and often use photographs as a reference. As I work, I frequently depart from the original image, letting my imagination introduce details, shades, and elements that weren’t present in the moment. It’s always an unpredictable process, and I never aim to create a photographic copy.
I see you mainly work in oil paints. Is this your preferred medium, and if so, why?
Yes, oil paints are definitely my preferred medium. I love the depth and richness of colour that oils provide, as well as the flexibility they offer. The slower drying time allows me to blend, layer, and play with textures. Which brings more life and emotion to the painting.
Lastly, which other artists have inspired you?
My greatest inspiration is Claude Monet. It was Claude Monet’s works that once sparked my creative journey. I fell in love with Impressionism.
I also have immense respect for contemporary artists such as Anastasia Valiullina, Paul Kenton and Bozhena Fuchs. And my special admiration goes to Monika Luniak.
SEE MORE ARTWORKS BY TANJA FROST
