Interviews

We are delighted to present this amazing artist now in visit artist in Florence:

Ilinca ȚOȚA was born on February 13, 2002, in Bucharest, Romania.

At age 11, she began her studies at the School of Fine Arts in Bucharest. During school, she met her mentor, Master Bădescu, who trained her in the basic principles of realist painting in the traditions of the old classic school.

After graduating from the School of Fine Arts, she passed her entry exams and continued her studies at the Imperial Academy of Art in Saint-Petersburg and also at the University of Bucharest, the fine-art department, where she graduated successfully.

She draws her inspiration from the works of I. E. Repin, Vasili Ivanovici Surikov, Anders Zorn, Joaquín Sorolla, V. A. Serov, Rembrandt, John Singer Sargent and Johannes Vermeer.

Ilinca is a figurative artist and she paints from life. She believes that through art, the world is still “alive.”

What made you an artist?
My passion for beauty, my sensitivity to what inspires me in the world around me, and the deep desire to capture and express those feelings through art are what truly made me an artist.

Ilinca, why now in Florence?
This summer, I am attending the Academy of Fine Art in Florence after winning a scholarship to participate in a workshop focused on academic methods of figure drawing. It's a unique opportunity to refine my skills in a city with such a rich artistic heritage.

How does your background or other artists influence your painting and techniques?
My influences change throughout different stages of my life. Various artists have shaped my vision at different moments, and naturally, that reflects in my work. My technique also evolves in response to these inspirations—it’s a continuous dialogue between what I admire and what I create.

Does your personal history shape your portraits?
Absolutely. Every portrait I paint is deeply influenced by the people I am surrounded by at that time. My personal experiences and emotional states are embedded in each brushstroke, giving the work authenticity and intimacy.

What draws you to theatrical elements in portraiture?
I'm fascinated by contrast—chiaroscuro, the dramatic play of light and shadow, and the intensity of a human expression. I’m drawn to that mysterious "something" that makes a person captivating. I try to uncover and highlight that essence in each portrait.

Does the sfumato technique resonate with you?
Definitely. Sfumato is essential to creating subtle transitions and lifelike realism. Without it, it’s hard to achieve the depth and softness I aim for in my portraits.

How do you use color to enhance emotion?
I rely on strong contrasts and a predominantly dark palette to convey deep emotional undertones. Color becomes a powerful tool to express what I feel, helping me translate inner states into visual experiences.

How has your online presence impacted your career?
It has been extremely helpful. It allows me to reach a broader audience, connect with potential collectors, and build visibility beyond my immediate physical environment. It plays a key role in expanding my artistic reach.

What makes someone a compelling subject to paint?
There’s always that special something—a spark in the eyes, an expressive quality in their face or posture—that captivates me. When I see it, I know I want to paint that person.

What do you hope viewers take from your work?
I hope they feel something—emotion, beauty, maybe even a sense of connection. I want my work to stir something within the viewer, to linger beyond the first glance.

What themes or techniques do you want to explore next?
I'm interested in developing more complex salon-style compositions and continuing to work with portraiture. I’m also eager to explore Zorn’s limited palette in more depth to challenge myself technically.

What are your hopes for the future?
I hope to exhibit my work more widely and establish myself on the international art scene. My goal is to grow as an artist and share my vision with a global audience.

Education:
2012–2020: High school of Fine Arts Nicolae Tonitza, Bucharest, Romania
2020–2023: University of Bucharest, Romania, visual-arts domain
2021–present: Easel painting section at The Imperial Academy of Arts “Ilya Repin”, Saint Petersburg, Russia

👉🏻 https://ilinca.art/category/painting/
👉🏻 Instagram: @ilinca.art