Nikolett Pörnye, painter
Nikolett Pörnye is a painter based in Budapest, whose deep and almost inexplicable attraction to painting has accompanied her since childhood. Her talent revealed itself at an early age, yet creating art became a defining part of her life only later, through an inner calling. For her, painting is not merely a form of expression, but a quiet inner journey where visual impressions and emotions gently merge into one another.
She began her artistic studies in 2013 under the guidance of Simon M. Veronika at the SMV 2000 Painting School, where she was able to build her knowledge on solid foundations. During the years spent there, she became acquainted with nearly thirty different painting techniques—from oil, acrylic, watercolor, and pastel painting to many other forms of artistic expression—which gave her a rich and versatile artistic vision. This period not only laid the foundation for her technical development, but also strengthened her dedication to the creative process.
An important milestone in her artistic development was the opportunity to deepen her understanding of drawing under the guidance of András Szunyoghy, whose teaching gave her a new perspective on form and proportion. She further refined her sensitivity to color and subtle tonal transitions during the pastel courses of Sándor Máté, while summer art camps—including those led by Katalin Nógrádi—provided an inspiring environment for the development of her own visual world.
In 2017, she continued her studies at the Zsilip Art Center painting school under the guidance of Kálmán Gasztonyi, where she developed an even deeper connection with the timeless values of classical oil painting. This period played a defining role in shaping her artistic vision: the more conscious observation of light, tones, and delicate details opened a new perspective for her and brought her closer to a more intimate experience of painting.
She developed her plein air painting practice—based on the direct observation of nature—under the guidance of Marianna Bottyán, and for many years regularly returned as a participating artist to her camps in Somogyfajsz, where the observation of light and atmosphere became especially important to her artistic approach.
In 2020, she successfully completed her painting studies at the Jaschik Álmos Art School.
Since 2023, she has been a participant in the award-winning Ceredi Művészeti Alkotótábor, whose artistic director is István Cene Gál. Under his guidance, she has explored deeper layers of realistic representation, where precise observation and sensitivity to fine details have opened new dimensions for her in painting. Since then, she has regularly created works at his art camps organized in Rimavská Sobota.
Her artistic journey is characterized by sensitivity and deep reflection. In her work, classical painting knowledge and a personal artistic vision come together in harmony, while her paintings seek to capture the atmosphere, quietness, and beauty of a moment—whether portraying landscapes, still lifes, or human presence.
She regularly presents her works at solo and group exhibitions, where her paintings create a sincere connection with viewers, while for her, painting remains an endless inner journey waiting to be discovered.
How would you describe your painting and artistic approach?
My painting is rooted in classical realism; however, I am not interested in merely copying what I see, but rather in capturing the inner experience that arises within me when I encounter a motif. The landscapes, animals, still lifes, and portraits in my work are all impressions of quiet moments, where light, atmosphere, and emotional depth are just as important as formal accuracy.
Harmony, color palette, and natural light are especially important to me, as they help the viewer pause for a moment and connect with the quiet atmosphere of the painting.
My works are not part of a series; each painting is an independent thought and an inner response to a lived experience. My aim is to create lasting works—pieces to which the viewer can return again and again.
What materials and surfaces do you prefer to work with?
I paint with oils on canvas, which allows space for fine details and subtle moods.
What themes appear most frequently in your paintings?
I paint moments that carry a sense of quiet and attention. Natural motifs, animals, carefully arranged still lifes, flowers, landscapes, and human scenes all appear in my work.
When did creativity first appear in your life?
I knew from childhood that I would become a painter. This feeling has always been with me.
What has painting given you over the years?
Self-expression, joy, and a sense of achievement. It has also taught me patience and attentiveness.
What does success mean to you?
Feedback—knowing that my paintings find their way to others. I have had the opportunity to present my work at several exhibitions, and since 2014 I have been a member of the fine arts circle of the Vadászati Kulturális Egyesület. It is a special honor for me that my paintings have been exhibited every year in the association’s annual competitions. In the autumn of 2022 and again in 2025, several of my works were awarded the Hunting Cultural Value Distinction.
What would you like to convey to the viewers?
My emotions—what was born within me in a given moment.
Where are you heading now in your painting journey?
Painting is not a destination for me, but a part of my life. I simply want to paint!