Back in 2022, my partner gave me the push I needed to travel to Warsaw and attend Krzysztof Kobalczyk’s workshop on skin tones. We spent a few days in Krakow beforehand, sightseeing and relaxing before heading to the class. It was an incredible gesture of support and love, and the whole experience would come to mean so much to me.

Seeing Krzysztof’s work in person after spending so much time studying his pieces online and trying to replicate them at home was a real turning point. After the first day of the workshop, I woke up in the middle of the night too excited to sleep. I just wanted to keep painting, keep learning, and get as much as I possibly could out of the class.

That trip opened up a whole new chapter. It led me to the Chromanaut community in Copenhagen and introduced me to a group of amazing people who’ve supported and encouraged me to take painting more seriously.

Now, Rigel is finished and just in time for Kontrast, where I’ll be heading back to Warsaw. With this piece, I’ve tried to channel and interpret some of those backbone techniques that I learned from Krzysztof: his approach to color mixing, stippling, and paying attention to the smallest details (as much as I can muster, at least).

I’m feeling proud of this one and grateful for all the people who continue to support me in my art. Huge thanks to my Patreon supporters and to my mentors: Ben Komets, Tue Kaae, Jakob Villien, Natalia Oracz, and of course Krzysztof Kobalczyk.