Original art - Marinko | Croatian Abstract Artist

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.

Papier Mache Sculptures: A Quiet Beginning in Texture and Form

Why Papier Mache?

Papier mache offers a unique blend of accessibility and sculptural potential. It’s lightweight, versatile, and environmentally friendly. For me, it’s a medium that invites experimentation — layering pulp, shaping volume, and discovering texture through touch. Unlike traditional sculpture materials, papier mache allows for spontaneity and organic evolution.

Materials and Process

I use recycled paper, natural adhesives, and locally sourced additives to create a pulp that’s both durable and expressive. Each form begins with a rough base — sometimes a balloon, cardboard, or wire — and evolves through layering and drying. The drying process is crucial, allowing the structure to settle and reveal its character.

Studio Atmosphere

The studio itself plays a role in shaping the work. The presence of older paintings, dried plants, and natural light creates a rhythm that influences the mood of each sculpture. It’s a space where silence and texture speak louder than words.

What Comes Next

These initial forms are just the beginning. Some will be painted, others left raw. Some may become part of larger installations or remain as standalone pieces. The goal is not perfection, but presence — to let each sculpture carry its own quiet weight.

This post is part of my ongoing studio journal, documenting the evolution of my work and sharing insights into the creative process. For more, visit artmarin.eu.

Fight for the woman rights

Introduction

Even though we live in what we call a modern age, the struggle of women for dignity, freedom, and equality continues. These two artworks were created as my personal response to an injustice that keeps repeating itself — quietly, subtly, yet painfully present. Through mixed media, texture, and symbolism, I wanted to portray the strength of a woman who refuses to surrender, even when the world tries to silence her.

Description of the artworks

1. Painting — A Woman Walking Through Resistance

Mixed media on 3 mm cardboard

Dimensions: 35*50cm

The first piece depicts a powerful female figure walking proudly, upright, unbroken. Her silhouette carries determination and dignity.

In the background, men kneel — symbols of systems, traditions, and structures that try to take away her right to freedom and autonomy. Their posture is not a sign of power, but of weakness in the face of a woman rising above imposed limitations.

2. Painting — Resistance Through Words and Presence

Mixed media on 3 mm cardboard

Dimensions: 35*50cm

The second artwork shows a woman on the floor — but not defeated. She resists, with her words and her stance, a man who sees her as his possession.

This is a moment of inner struggle, but also a moment of courage. The woman in the painting refuses to be an object. She fights with her gaze, her body, her energy.

The man above her symbolizes the patriarchal pressure still present in many relationships today, but her resistance clearly says: “I am not yours. I belong to no one.”

Personal reflection

These works were created from a deep sense of injustice toward women who still have to prove their worth. I found inspiration in real stories, in conversations, in the silence that often hides pain.

Through texture, the roughness of the material, and the contrast between figures, I wanted to express the inner strength of women — a strength not always visible at first glance, but one that changes the world.

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.

Abstract Still Life Oil Paintings – Expressive Floral Art for Your Space

Abstract Still Life Oil Paintings
A vibrant collection of expressive floral compositions, each piece capturing the energy of nature through bold color and dynamic texture. These oil paintings blend abstraction with emotion, inviting the viewer into a world of movement, mood, and timeless beauty.

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.