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: Do you ever paint with acrylics, or only oils?
A: Most of my paintings are done in oil, however, I create some pieces in acrylics too. Oils and acrylics have a different “feel” when you work with them – so when you get used to one, it becomes harder to paint with another. I am currently used to oils, and acrylics are tougher for me to handle. But that is why, I think, it is important to practice with acrylics – so I don’t completely forget that medium!