My Story

I paint the silence of the landscape and the inner world hidden in portraits

I paint under the stage name MonArp, a combination of the first letters of my first and last name. I live and create my art in Slovakia.

My journey into the world of art began quite unassumingly - with a "paint-by-numbers" kit I bought in late 2020. Once the painting was finished, a few pots of acrylic paint remained. I couldn't bring myself to throw them away, so I took a piece of old cardboard and spontaneously painted my very first winter landscape. It was this simple joy of creation that, after many years, rekindled my childhood dream of painting.

Although I do not have a formal arts education, I pour the reflection of my soul into my work, drawing inspiration from nature, music, and the fleeting moments of everyday life. On canvas, I strive to capture the world as I see it - authentically, personally, and uniquely.

I yearn for the freedom of Impressionism, yet my paintings always find their way to reality. I want to get lost in a blurry colored haze, but I'm constantly drawn to the sharp contours of reality.

Acrylic painting is my favorite technique. Its dynamics, fast drying time, and intense colors allow me to work with layers and textures, creating durable and vibrant images.

However, my heart truly belongs to landscape painting. For me, it is more than just applying paint to canvas - it is a process through which I become a part of the world I am painting. Creating landscapes recharges my energy because, with every brushstroke, I am right there - in the very heart of the painting.

Watercolor introduces an element of unpredictability and freedom into my work. Through its lightness, I touch upon the world of emotions, particularly in my portraits. However, I do not paint faces in the traditional sense; I seek what lies beneath the surface - inner experiences, hidden tension, or the delicate fragility of a fleeting moment.

Instead of an outward likeness, I paint the story unfolding within a person. My works are an invitation to slow down, to listen to one's own silence, and to perceive the nuances of being that often remain unspoken.

Yet, my creative curiosity constantly drives me to explore new forms of expression, leading me to occasionally expand my palette with oil painting or dry pastels. Each of these techniques opens a different door to capturing the world around us - and within us.

My goal is not to overwhelm with dramatic effects or complex compositions. Instead, I focus on capturing peace and the presence of the moment. I want to transport the viewer into a world where time slows down and worries fade away.

Awards and selected works

2026 - Region Art 2026

I participated in the regional competition for non-professional artistic creation, Region Art, in Nitra (Slovakia), where the professional jury honored my work with an Honorable Mention.

2021 - Publications | Available on Amazon.com

Some of my artwork has been selected for thematic publications by American author Shan Peck, which map contemporary independent creators artistic creation by authors from several countries.