Oil and Mixed Media 

   

How did you become interested in your craft/artwork style?

I've loved drawing and painting since childhood. I studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Gdańsk, Poland, but life eventually took me in a different direction and I spent many years working in web design and marketing. After retiring, I returned to painting and discovered a renewed passion for creating expressive, meaningful artwork.

Are you self-taught or did you take classes?

I received formal art training at the Academy of Fine Arts in Poland and continue to study through the Milan Art Institute Mastery Program. I believe learning never stops, and every painting teaches me something new.

Do you work in multiple mediums? What is your favorite?

Yes. I enjoy working in oil, acrylic, charcoal, graphite, and mixed media. Oils are my favorite because they allow me to build rich color, soft transitions, and expressive textures.

How long have you been working in your craft?

Art has been part of my life for as long as I can remember. Although I followed a different professional career for many years, I returned to painting full-time after retirement and now create every day.

What inspires you to create?

Nature, people, light, and the stories that ordinary objects seem to carry. I'm especially inspired by wildlife, old textures, changing seasons, and the beauty found in quiet moments.

Do you create every day?

Yes. If I'm not painting, I'm sketching, studying, planning future work, or experimenting with new techniques. Creating has become part of my daily life.

What is your favorite thing to create?

I especially enjoy portraits, wildlife, and expressive realism with mixed media. I love artwork that combines strong drawing with texture and atmosphere.

What is your favorite part of creating?

Watching a blank canvas slowly come to life. Every layer adds something new, and there is always a moment when the painting begins to tell its own story.

When is your favorite time of day to create?

Morning is my favorite time. I enjoy starting the day in the studio while everything is still quiet.

What motivates you to create?

The desire to keep learning and improving. Every painting is an opportunity to grow as an artist and express something meaningful.

 

 

Does art help you in other areas of your life?

Absolutely. Painting teaches patience, observation, and perseverance. It also helps me slow down and appreciate the beauty that often goes unnoticed.

How has your style changed over time?

My work has become looser, more expressive, and more focused on light, texture, and emotion. Classical drawing remains the foundation of everything I create, but I now enjoy combining it with mixed media and expressive brushwork.

How do you stay inspired and motivated to create new art?

I enjoy learning, taking classes, exploring new techniques, and spending time outdoors. Living in the mountains of Tehachapi provides endless inspiration, and every new subject is another opportunity to grow.

Any info you can share about your work or your inspiration is great!

 

I hope my artwork encourages people to slow down, look a little closer, and discover beauty in everyday moments. Whether it's a portrait, an old tree, or a quiet landscape, I want each piece to tell a story that lingers with the viewer.

 

 

Dorota Dumania

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