For Zuzanna, realism is more than technical precision—it is a way of encouraging us to look closer.
Inspired by the quiet beauty of animals and the intricate details found in nature, her paintings celebrate the textures, colors, and moments that often go unnoticed. Through careful observation and patient craftsmanship, she creates works that balance realism with a subtle sense of wonder.
In this interview, she shares what first drew her to realism, why animals remain at the heart of her work, and how storytelling continues to shape her artistic vision.
Learning to See
What first inspired you to pursue realism in your artwork?
I’ve always been fascinated by the little details that make something feel alive. Realism allows me to slow down and really observe the world around me. The more closely I look, the more beauty I find in things that people often overlook, and painting realistically is my way of sharing that appreciation.
Why do animals continue to be such an important subject in your work?
Animals have always fascinated me. They have a quiet honesty and innocence that’s incredibly inspiring. Through my paintings, I hope to capture not just what they look like, but their personality and the sense of wonder they bring. They also remind us of our connection to nature, something I think is easy to lose in our busy lives.
Do you remember the first drawing that made you feel you had found your artistic direction?
Yes, I think it was my old painting of a woman surrounded by pigeons. Although my work has evolved a lot since then, that painting planted the seed for what I create today. It taught me that I enjoy combining realistic subjects with a sense of wonder and storytelling. My bubble painting is an example of a continuation of that idea. It's all about creating moments that spark curiosity and invite viewers into another world.
What attracts you to subjects with rich textures and intricate details?
I think it’s because I’m naturally observant. I love studying the way light catches different surfaces and how tiny details can completely change the mood of a painting. Exploring those textures helps me appreciate the beauty that’s already there, and I hope it encourages others to notice it too.
Could you share your favorite piece of work at this stage and introduce it briefly?
One of my favourite pieces is my peacock painting. It really captures everything I enjoy about painting: rich textures, vibrant colours and intricate details. I loved the challenge of recreating every feather and the way the light catches the iridescent blues and greens. Although it took a lot of patience, seeing it gradually come to life was incredibly rewarding. I also wanted the peacock to have a gentle, almost thoughtful expression, so that people connect with it as more than just a beautiful bird.
Texture, Light & Precision
How do you approach capturing texture, whether it’s fur, feathers, fruit, or splashing water?
I spend a lot of time observing before I even start painting. Every texture behaves differently: fur is soft and layered, feathers catch the light in unique ways, fruit has subtle changes in colour and surface, and water is all about reflections and movement. I like breaking everything down into small sections and building it up gradually with lots of thin layers. It takes patience, but that’s the part of painting I enjoy the most.
What role does light play in creating realism?
Light is one of the most important parts of creating realism. It’s what gives a subject form, depth and atmosphere. I spend a lot of time observing where the light falls, how it creates shadows, and how it reflects off different surfaces. Once the light feels believable, the painting starts to come to life.
How do you decide which details deserve the most attention?
I always ask myself what I want the viewer to notice first. I put the most detail into the focal point. It is usually the eyes of an animal or the main subject. That's because that’s where the connection happens. As your eye moves around the painting, I gradually soften other areas. That balance helps guide the viewer without overwhelming them.
How do you balance patience with knowing when to stop?
That’s probably one of the hardest parts of painting! Realism can always tempt you to keep refining, but I’ve learned that every painting reaches a point where adding more doesn’t necessarily make it better. I often step away from a piece for a day or two and come back with fresh eyes. If the painting says what I wanted it to say, it’s time to stop.
How have Artify brushes supported your creative process, if at all?
As a realism artist, I rely on precision, especially when I’m painting fur, feathers or tiny reflections. Good-quality brushes give me the confidence to create those details more consistently. They’ve been a reliable and durable part of my toolkit.
What part of a realistic drawing do you enjoy creating the most?
I think it’s the moment when the painting starts to come alive, and that’s usually when I paint the eyes. They create the connection between the artwork and the viewer. After that, I really enjoy building up the textures: whether it’s feathers, fur or reflections. That's because each layer adds more depth and realism.
Beyond Realism
How do you see your artistic practice evolving in the future?
I hope to keep pushing the storytelling side of my work. While realism will always be at the heart of what I do, I’m enjoying creating paintings that blend realism with imagination, like my bubble paintings. I’d love to continue building these tiny worlds that invite people to pause, look closely and escape into them for a moment.
Are there subjects or techniques you’re excited to explore next?
I’m always looking for new challenges. I’d love to experiment with more complex compositions, different lighting conditions and larger-scale paintings. I enjoy stepping outside my comfort zone because that’s how I grow as an artist.
What still challenges you as a realism artist?
I think realism is a discipline where you’re always learning. Every subject brings a new challenge, whether it’s capturing transparent reflections in a bubble, the softness of fur, or the way light changes colour. That’s one of the reasons I love it. There's always something new to discover.
What do you hope viewers notice after spending time with one of your drawings?
I hope people slow down. We live in such a fast-paced world, and I’d love my drawings to encourage people to pause for a moment and really look. The more time they spend with them, the more little details they discover. More than anything, I hope they leave with a sense of wonder and a deeper appreciation for the beauty of nature.
Has creating highly detailed work changed the way you observe the world around you?
Yes, definitely. I think creating detailed work has made me much more present. Instead of just looking at something, I really study it. I notice textures, colours and patterns that I never would have seen before, and I think that has made me appreciate the world around me much more.
For Zuzanna, every painting begins with observation and ends with connection.
Whether capturing the shimmer of a peacock’s feathers or the quiet presence of an animal, her work reminds us that beauty is often found in the details we overlook. Through realism, she invites us to slow down, look closer, and rediscover the wonder of the natural world.
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