Anna Sobkowiak

Anna Sobkowiak is a colourist and figurative painter focused on female portraits. She graduated from the Academy of Fine Arts in Poznan in 2006 and studied at the Academy of Fine Arts in Prague under the International Student Exchange Scholarship. Anna previously worked in animating cartoons and as a matte painter for documentaries She has exhibited widely across Europe.

Artist Q & A

How did your background in animation and matte painting influence your approach to figurative painting, especially in terms of composition and storytelling?

My background in animation and matte painting taught me how to pay attention to every detail of a composition. Animation is all about the dynamics and the story to be told in a sequence of shots. In contrast, the most important thing in matte painting is the story in a single shot. I try to combine both approaches because it is interesting when a lot is happening — for instance, unusual poses and behaviours introduce an element of surprise — and the viewer discovers the meaning of the characters, props, and background.

Your work focuses on women of different ages and experiences. What do you want viewers to feel when they see these portraits?

I intend to provide the viewer with aesthetic pleasure, which should evoke memories, give some soothing experience and help them enjoy daily activities and life itself. For instance, I started with a portrait of an imaginary female character, who was the sum of my observations of women I saw every day on the street, in the theatre, in a restaurant, or at a party. Then, I started creating portraits of specific people who intended to remain somewhat transparent but had stories to tell. A woman in a makeup room can symbolize waiting loneliness, but also tension and concentration. I want the viewer to be able to find close people in them: an independent mother, a liberated grandmother, a courageous neighbour, a self-confident saleswoman from a store, an extravagant friend from school. Strong women with whom we create bonds and who have a certain je ne sais quoi.

Follow the artist along: www.annasobkowiak.eu
Anna is featured inside the Spring 2025 Edition of the Art Seen. Grab your copy to read the full interview.