About Nina
A Family of artists
I grew up in Lumbarda, on the Adriatic island of Korčula (Croatia), in a family of stonemasons.
My father is a well-known stonemason, and my great-granduncle, Frano Kršinić, was one of Croatia's greatest sculptors. His works belong to the very top of European figurative sculpture, and one of his most famous pieces is the statue of Nikola Tesla in Niagara Falls State Park.
But - talent alone isn't enough. I've always believed in discipline, focus, and everyday hard work.
I saw this firsthand as a child when I spent time in the home of one of Croatia's most remarkable contemporary painters, Stipe Nobilo. His daughter Dina and I were friends, and I was fascinated by watching him paint.
Watching him work - layering blues to capture the sea’s depth - was mesmerizing. His discipline, patience, and mastery of color left a deep mark on my artistic expression.
Learning, Growing, Exploring
I earned an MA from the Academy of Fine Arts in Zagreb, where I blended theory with practice, explored contemporary art trends, and honed my skills.
Later, I moved to New Zealand, where I painted, led art workshops, and incorporated Croatian and Māori folklore into my work.
Back in Croatia, I became a mom and started working as a high school art teacher.
Like every mother, I juggle a million things at once.
And like every artist, I struggle with time, discipline, and the constant pull between life and creativity.
The work behind the Art
People often romanticize painting. But let me tell you - it's work. I sometimes rework a finished piece or stare at a blank canvas, thinking.
If I paint too much, I feel guilty for not being with my family. If I don't paint enough, I think I'm betraying myself.
Even on hectic days, I try to paint—or at least clean my brushes, letting ideas simmer.
When the house is quiet at night, I often tiptoe to my studio, bringing ideas to life while everyone sleeps.
Staying true to myself
I admire artists like Kršinić and Nobilo because they never followed trends.
I love the work of French artist Henri Matisse and Croatian painter Edo Murtić.
They all stayed true to their expression. That's what I strive for, too.
My landscapes allow me to play with abstraction, my combined techniques bring texture and depth, and my love for color brings vibrancy to each piece.
And exhibitions? I love them!
The energy, the conversations, the moment someone connects with my work and takes it home—it’s exhilarating.
Connecting Through Art
When someone buys an original painting, they take a piece of my world.
I love it when my clients send me photos of my paintings in their homes.
When I see them, I remember exactly where I was in life when I painted them - what I was feeling, thinking, and experiencing. It's an incredible, almost surreal connection.
And then, of course, there are my two best (and most honest) critics - my kids. They look at my paintings and say, "Mom, this is great!" And I know they mean it for now.
The day they start critiquing me, I might stop asking their opinion. 😉
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