This page features questions not answered elsewhere on this website. And if you have a new question for me, please email it to stasia@anastasiamak.com. I will answer it, and just may post it here!

This page gets updated regularly, so please check back often.

The most popular question to date:
Q: So, do you travel to all the places that you paint?
A: Yes and no.  I love to travel, and most of my paintings are inspired by places that I have visited. When I travel, I draw sketches, and take thousands of photographs, which give me material for my work. Then, when I am back in my studio, the paintings are born. But on occasion I also paint places that I have not been to – especially when I do commissioned projects. It is a different kind of challenge, and just as enjoyable. I start with a photograph of someone’s favorite destination, then research that place online to view different angles of buildings and new perspectives of streets. Once I have a better “feel” of the place in my head, I sketch out a composition and paint it. Then, inevitably, I put that place on my future “to visit” list.

Q: I have a great photograph of a destination which can serve as material for one of your future works. Can I e-mail it to you, and will you paint it?
A: Absolutely – send me your favorite destination photo!  I have to be a somewhat picky as I can only work on one painting at a time, but if your photo represents a new to me and interesting place, I will find a way to incorporate it into one of my future pieces. (And don’t worry, your photos will not be sold or shared with anyone else).  Some places on my radar for painting material include Israel, Turkey, Morocco, Asia, Ireland… and the list goes on.

Q: So what materials, exactly, do you use in your works?
A: I started my career solely painting in oils. However, as I moved into doing art full-time, I have slowly switched to acrylics. Acrylics are more environment- and health-friendly than oils, and I learned to use them as my preferred medium. However, I still occasionally use oils, especially in paintings that I want to have a softer, more "blended" look. In addition to acrylics and oils, I use gesso to add texture to my work, and even occasional screen printing (on my small originals) and markers. All of the materials I use create a variety of layers and textures. I paint on canvas, canvas board, linen, and wood.