about
I'm Sonja, a nature-inspired painter based in Grünwald, near Munich — a small town whose name means "green forest." My studio sits at the forest's edge, where the sun rises through the leaves each morning.
My work moves between abstraction and realism, rooted in close observation of the natural world. Each painting begins with a color palette built around changing light, and compositions that echo subtle movement in nature. I draw from field sketches, photography, and gathered textures — moss, stone, bark, sunlight through leaves — letting these details shape every canvas. Meditating on these quiet moments deepens my connection to the beauty our world offers.
My paintings bring nature's complexity into your space — offering calm, quiet depth, and a sense of expansion. Built on reduced color palettes, each work creates a serene visual space where the eye rests and the mind wanders freely. The goal is atmosphere: paintings that make a room feel more grounded, more inspired, and more connected to the natural world.
I work in watercolor, ink, and gouache on raw canvas — a combination that rewards close looking. Loose washes open each piece, flowing organically into the surface before successive layers bring structure, detail, and depth. Raw canvas holds pigment unpredictably, giving every original artwork its own texture and presence.
My background in architecture and spatial and graphic design shapes how I think about composition — through form, light, and the tensions between them. I draw on the Impressionists' study of dissolving light, on architectural ideas of nonlinear and conceptual space, and on the philosophy of New Materialism.
Original paintings are available for direct purchase, priced from €200 to €1,200 depending on size and medium. Every work is signed and comes with a certificate of authenticity. I also take on a select number of bespoke commissions each year — if you have a space or vision in mind, I'd love to hear from you. Feel free to get in touch with any questions, and I'll guide you from first inquiry to safe delivery.