Meet the Artist
Who are you? Where do you live?
Hi, I’m Adrienn Zetkó, a painter and mixed media artist based in Austria. My journey into the creative world has been an inspiring blend of courage, passion, and transformation. I grew up in Hungary and have lived in Bristol, Vienna, Budapest and currently with my beautiful family near Graz, Austria. These places, with their unique cultures and landscapes, have deeply influenced my artistic vision.
Were you always drawn to art?
I have a law degree and worked in the legal field for several years. While I found the work intellectually stimulating, I always felt a yearning for something more creative and fulfilling. Without formal training, I dedicated myself to developing my skills, guided by intuition and countless hours of practice. I looked for communities with same interests where I could learn a lot and on this journey I had the chance to meet and learn from working artists.
Which stage of your creative process do you find most enjoyable and fulfilling?
I enjoy the beginning stage, where I explore different directions—it’s a mix of excitement and uncertainty that can sometimes feel overwhelming. But the most exciting part is when a series of paintings starts to come together as a cohesive body of work, when I can see the connections forming and the vision taking shape.
Where do you draw inspiration from?
When I am not in my studio, I spend as much time as I can exploring the outdoors with my sketchbooks in hand. Nature, in all its forms, is my greatest source of inspiration—whether it’s the ever-changing colours of the sky, the gentle sway of trees in the breeze, or the intricate details of a bird in flight.
How would you describe your artistic style?
My style is expressive and atmospheric, balancing realism with a dreamlike quality. In my oil portraits, I focus on subtle emotions and character, using layered brushstrokes to create depth and movement. My mixed media landscapes, on the other hand, are more spontaneous, often textured and playful, capturing fleeting moments in nature. I love the contrast between the two approaches—they challenge me in different ways but both fuel my creativity.
Music or no music in the studio? If so, what do you listen to?
Absolutely yes to music in the studio. I love super long mixtapes to stay focused.
What do you hope people feel when they see your art?
I hope my paintings inspire people to slow down, reflect, and find little moments of stillness in this busy, chaotic world.
What materials and techniques do you love working with?
In my oil paintings, I enjoy the richness and depth that layering allows. For my landscapes and illustrations, I often use watercolour, gouache, coloured pencils, pastels, and ink, sometimes combining them to create interesting textures and contrasts. I’m drawn to materials that allow for both precision and spontaneity, giving me the freedom to explore different moods and atmospheres in my work.
Why did you decide to turn your art into a business?
Art has always been a personal journey for me, but I wanted to share it with others in a meaningful way. Selling my work—whether through prints, original paintings, or illustrations—allows me to connect with people who resonate with what I create. It’s a slow, evolving process, but I love knowing that my art can find a home in someone’s space or emotions.
What’s a dream project you’d love to work on?
I’d love to illustrate a book that blends both my figurative and landscape work—perhaps something poetic that explores human stories through nature. Another dream of mine is to create a series of oil portraits that capture people at different stages of life, focusing on their expressions and the stories behind them.
If you’re interested in working with me you can contact me here or send an email to adrienn@adriennzetko.com