Please tell us about your journey as an artist.
My name is Anna Bönschen, I am a freelance artist with a background in economics and a deep passion for art. However, art has always been more than just a hobby for me - it is my truest form of expression, my calling, and a constant that has shaped and fulfilled my life.
From an early age, I was fascinated by art. I attended an art school for children and later for teenagers, where I learned the fundamentals of art and graphics. Despite successfully completing my studies in economics and working for many years in international corporations, art has remained my faithful companion.
During my time in Russia and later in Germany, I continuously painted, restored artworks, and experimented with various techniques - from glass painting and furniture painting to traditional oil painting. This diversity of artistic expression has significantly influenced my creative style.
I have now decided to dedicate myself to art.
Today, my artistic focus is on oil painting, which offers me limitless creative possibilities due to its versatility and texture. Each of my works is the result of an intensive creative process, where I combine my love for art with my experience and craftsmanship.
What is your medium and why did you choose it?
I currently work primarily with oil paints on canvas. Oil offers me an exceptional range of possibilities - from delicate, smooth transitions to rich, dimensional textures. This versatility is essential to my artistic process.
I have always been fascinated by classical paintings created by the Old Masters, who used layered oil techniques to achieve remarkable depth and luminosity. Their work continues to inspire me, as this method allows for timeless beauty and profound artistic expression. Additionally, the slow drying time of oil paint is a great advantage, as it enables me to work on a piece for a longer period, refining details and seamlessly blending layers.
For me, oil painting is not just a medium but a way to bring my artistic vision to life with precision and emotional depth.
What was the inspiration behind this work?
The inspiration for this painting comes from my love of theater. Red and gold have always been the quintessential colors of the stage-they evoke memories of velvety red seats with golden armrests, grand crystal chandeliers casting a warm glow over the audience, and the magic that unfolds as the curtain rises. This color combination represents elegance, tradition, and a sense of theatrical drama to
me.
The panther itself is an homage to my fascination with cats. Few animals embody sensuality and grace as perfectly as the panther, with its fluid, effortless movements and soft, sculpted contours. But beyond its elegance, the panther is also a symbol of wisdom and intuition—qualities that make it even more compelling. The presence of the pomegranate reinforces this theme. A fruit rich in symbolism, the pomegranate has long been associated with wisdom, knowledge, and purity in various cultures. Its deep red color and intricate seeds hold layers of meaning, much like the hidden depths of the panther's gaze.
By intertwining these elements-the luxurious color palette, the theatrical composition, and the symbolic interplay between the panther and the pomegranate-I create a world that exists between reality and fantasy, between visible splendor and hidden depth. This painting tells a story, evokes emotions, and invites the viewer into a realm of mystery and sensuality.
Who is your favorite artist? Why?
My favorite artists are Ivan Aivazovsky and Karl Bryullov. Since early childhood, I have admired their works in state galleries and have been deeply inspired by their mastery.
Aivazovsky captivates me with his exceptional ability to depict seascapes. He masterfully captures the transparency of waves and distinguishes the unique moods and characteristics of the sea. The ocean is never the same-it constantly shifts in color and expression, and Aivazovsky knew how to bring this dynamic beauty to life in his paintings.
Karl Bryullov fascinates me with his remarkable ability to portray human skin with an almost porcelain-like transparency and freshness. His portraits possess an extraordinary vitality, as if they could come to life at any moment. Equally impressive is his depiction of horses and people-full of elegance, expression, and anatomical perfection. His art combines technical brilliance with deep emotional intensity, which continues to inspire me.
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