Abstract - Marinko | Croatian Abstract Artist | Original Emotional Paintings

Artist, Emotion, and the Work

I sit, listening to Roma music, preparing to continue working on a painting inspired by Osijek.
My eyes wander across the studio — some works still in drawing, others already complete. They pause on this one. Framed, small in format, mixed media with fragments of collage. I dig through the past and through emotions, and thoughts rise from the boxes of memory. So I’d like to briefly explain what a painting truly is, and what an art lover sees in it — far beyond the decorative surface that blends with walls and furniture.

An artist never creates just a picture; he creates a reflection of his inner universe. Every work is a trace of existence, a moment when the invisible becomes visible. Emotion is not an addition to art — it is its original material, the quiet architect shaping lines, colors, and textures.

In the moment of creation, the artist becomes a bridge between what he feels and what the world can see. A painting is only a surface, but behind it stands an entire cosmos of experiences, wounds, memories, and longings. The artist does not always choose what will emerge; sometimes the work knows more about him than he knows about himself.

That is why every painting is a kind of dialogue — not only with the viewer, but also with one’s own past. Within it meet what once was, what is, and what is still being sought. Through creation, the artist does not merely express emotion; he tries to understand it, tame it, and sometimes let it go.

And so, while the paint dries, the emotion remains alive. The work becomes a witness to an inner moment, and the artist moves on, carrying within him more untold stories waiting for their form.

From those meditative moments came my series of earth‑toned abstractions. It felt natural — even inevitable — to name that entire body of work My Stories, while everything else can serve as subtitles appropriate to the moment of their creation.

Impasto Abstract Still Life – A Glimpse into My Studio

Sometimes, all it takes is to pause and look around — colors, textures, the scent of oil in the air. This photograph is more than a snapshot of my workspace; it’s a moment where the energy of creation reflects in every corner.

In the foreground, my workbench — chaotic, honest, alive. Used paint tubes, palettes, knives, brushes… everything speaks of a process just as important as the result. Paint stains on every surface — this is my world, my rhythm.

On the easel stand eight new paintings — impasto still lifes that abstractly depict flowers in vessels. Vibrant colors and rich textures breathe life into each canvas, creating a sense of movement and pulse.

This photograph is an invitation to step behind the canvas — into the space where emotions are born, where color becomes story.

Embrace

“Embrace”
Mixed media, 18 × 24 cm

In this intimate small-format piece, two figures merge in an embrace that transcends form and becomes pure emotion. The abstract depiction doesn’t seek recognition of faces or bodies — it invites recognition of closeness, trust, and warmth. Dark tones contrast with the gentle background, creating an atmosphere of quiet connection, while texture and brushwork add emotional depth.

This is not a painting that shows a moment — it preserves it.

Morning for Two

“Morning for Two”
Mixed media, 35 × 50 cm

“Morning for Two” is a quiet celebration of love expressed through gesture. In this 35 × 50 cm mixed media painting, Marinko captures the warmth of a morning shared — a seated figure, a cup of coffee, and the silence that speaks volumes. The textured layers and soft contrasts evoke the peace of early light and the intimacy of everyday tenderness. This artwork brings emotional depth to any space, making it a meaningful gift or a personal treasure.

This painting tells a simple yet deeply emotional story — of a woman who made coffee for her beloved and served it with a quiet smile. In the abstract form of the seated figure, through layered strokes and contrasts of light and shadow, one feels the warmth of home, the tenderness of the gesture, and the silence that speaks louder than words.

The texture and colors evoke the atmosphere of early morning, a moment of peace before the day begins. It’s a scene that doesn’t demand attention, but quietly deserves it — just like love shown through small things.

Silence of Wine

“Silence of Wine”
Oil on canvas, 40 × 50 cm

At the heart of the composition sits a young nude woman, immersed in a moment of silence and introspection. Her posture, relaxed and natural, reveals both fragility and strength. Beside her — an open bottle of red wine and a glass — symbols of evening solitude, perhaps even unspoken thoughts poured into color.

The background is subtle, almost ethereal, with shades of white, beige, and gray that do not distract but rather guide the gaze toward the figure and the emotion she carries. Expressive brushstrokes do not seek perfection of form, but honesty of the moment.

This painting does not speak loudly — it whispers. It invites the viewer to pause, breathe, and feel what cannot be said in words.

Mother and Child

“Mother and Child”
Mixed media, 50 × 35 cm

“Mother and Child” is a deeply emotional abstract painting that speaks to the universal bond of love and protection. Through layered textures, dark tones, and expressive brushwork, Marinko captures the essence of intimacy and belonging. Two symbolic forms suggest the figures of a mother and child, surrounded by vertical strokes that evoke movement and raw emotion. This 50 × 35 cm mixed media piece is ideal for collectors seeking meaningful art or for anyone drawn to the quiet power of connection.

This abstract composition captures an intimate moment of a mother holding her child. Through layered textures, dark tones, and expressive brushstrokes, the painting conveys deep emotional connection, protection, and tenderness. Two circular forms at the center suggest human figures, while vertical streaks of paint add movement and raw expression. The artwork invites the viewer not just to see, but to feel — to connect with the universal sense of love and belonging.

Abstract Figure – Original Mixed Media Abstract Painting

The artwork “Abstract Figure” is an original abstract painting created using mixed media on hardboard, measuring 35×50 cm. This expressive composition captures a figure in motion, viewed from behind, evoking a sense of movement and emotional depth.

The layered textures and earthy tones—primarily browns and grays—add richness and complexity to the piece. The dynamic brushwork and subtle contrasts make it a striking addition to any modern interior or art collection.

This piece is ideal for collectors of contemporary abstract art, enthusiasts of handmade original paintings, and anyone seeking a unique visual statement for their space.

mixed media painting — mixed meda artwork

New Small Collection – Intimate Abstract Works in Progress

In the quiet of my studio, these small works began to emerge — fragments of emotion, texture, and gesture. They are still drying, still becoming, but already speak in their own language.”

This new collection features five small abstract paintings, each created with mixed media on board. Though modest in size, they carry the same emotional weight and layered complexity as my larger works. Earthy tones, expressive textures, and intimate compositions define this series.”

New Small Paintings – Abstract Floral Motifs in Oil

In these new small-format works, I explore the delicate tension between form and feeling. Inspired by floral motifs, each painting is a quiet celebration of color, texture, and emotional resonance

“Created in oil on MDF board (15×20 cm), these pieces feature abstract interpretations of flowers — vibrant reds, oranges, and yellows layered over textured backgrounds. Though small in size, they carry a bold emotional presence and are ideal for intimate spaces or collectors seeking unique, expressive works.”

Flowers have always symbolized transformation and fragility. In this series, I let the brush lead — allowing emotion to shape the petals, the rhythm, the silence between strokes.