The Journey
"There are countless paths, and until we walk them, their destination remains unknown. There is no shame in trying, but to linger on a road that leads nowhere, that is the sorrow that truly weighs the soul." - Iren
My path has always been guided by love—and that love eventually led me to Zaječar. I drank the water here, stayed, and became a true Zaječarka at heart.
For years, I ran my own nail salon, and while I loved my work, I often found myself asking clients if I could paint tiny miniatures on their nails. Painting and drawing had always pulled at me—it was a quiet passion, waiting for its moment.
During the COVID lockdown, with the salon closed and time stretching endlessly, I began to miss drawing deeply. One day, I picked up a piece of paper and simply let my imagination flow. That small act became my first real step into the world of painting.
The second step came thanks to the belief of a dear friend, who gifted me painting lessons with Mr. Rajački.
Thank you, Aleksandra—for seeing something in me. And thank you to Mr. Rajački, who taught me the basics and opened the door to this new world. From then on, the rest was up to me—to keep working, growing, and creating.
The third step happened by chance. A new client, after hearing about my love for art, insisted I meet a renowned painter—Mr. Tomislav Paunković. I remember how nervous I was that day… But from that meeting, I gained not only a mentor, but a lifelong friend.
For months, we worked together. He generously shared his knowledge with me—the techniques of the old Flemish and Dutch masters. I was captivated. That timeless technique became my own way of expressing what lives in my soul.
I’m endlessly grateful—to God, to everyone who believes in me, and to all of you who have supported me and made this journey possible.
A special thank you to my mother and sister. They may not be physically with me today, but they’ve never left my side. They’ve been my source of strength—emotionally, morally, and even financially—helping me walk this artistic path later in life, and to hear my mother say: “I’m proud of you.”
This journey has pushed me to grow every day—both as a person and as an artist.
And of course, this journey is far from over.
This is only the beginning.
My Mentor - Mr.Tomislav Paunković
Tomislav Paunković was born in Knjaževac in 1952. He has been involved in painting since 1968, and has been exhibiting independently since 1970. He graduated from the Higher School of Fine Arts in Belgrade in 1975. He was a member of the art group "Group 72," with which he exhibited multiple times both in the country and abroad until 1982.
Since 1979, he has been living and working in Austria, where, as a member of German and international art associations (BBK South-Swabia–1990, Peintres Européens–1993, Kunstforum International–2007, Ars Nova Suisse–2007), he has participated in numerous exhibitions.
Since 1980, during study trips to major European art centers in Germany, France, Italy, and the Netherlands, he has been studying the painting techniques of the "Old Masters."
He has held more than 40 solo exhibitions and has participated in over 200 group exhibitions (in Serbia, Germany, Austria, Italy, Switzerland, France, and elsewhere). He is the recipient of numerous awards both in his home country and abroad.
My Painting Techniques
In my creative journey, I explore a variety of techniques—graphic art, dry pastel, acrylics, charcoal... each offering its own unique voice.
But the one that speaks to me the most is oil on canvas.
Through the guidance of my mentor, Mr. Paunković, I discovered a deep passion for a timeless and intricate method—the Flemish painting technique. Rooted in tradition and rich in detail, it became not only my preferred medium, but a way to give soul and depth to my work—layer by layer, light by light.
A Timeless Tradition of Light, Detail, and Depth
Flemish painting refers to the style and techniques developed by artists from the region of Flanders (modern-day Belgium and parts of northern France and the Netherlands) during the Early Northern Renaissance, roughly from the 15th to the 17th century.
The movement is most famously associated with masters such as Jan van Eyck, Rogier van der Weyden, Hans Memling, and later Peter Paul Rubens. These artists brought painting to new levels of realism, emotional depth, and technical brilliance.
The Technique
At the heart of Flemish painting is a distinctive oil painting technique known for its:
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Multiple translucent layers (glazes) that create an almost glowing depth of color
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Fine detail and precision, especially in texture, fabrics, skin tones, and reflective surfaces
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Subtle use of light and shadow (chiaroscuro) to shape form and atmosphere
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Careful underpainting, typically in monochrome (grisaille), over which transparent color glazes are added.
This method allows for an extraordinary level of control and realism, making the painting appear almost three-dimensional. The surface remains smooth and polished, with no visible brushstrokes—an effect that gives Flemish works their timeless, luminous quality.
Legacy and Modern Use
Though centuries old, the Flemish technique continues to inspire contemporary artists who are drawn to its discipline, elegance, and emotional power. It demands patience, precision, and deep respect for craft—making it both a technical and spiritual journey for those who practice it today.
For artists like myself, it is more than a method—it’s a dialogue with the old masters, and a way to bring soul and story into every stroke.