Quellgeflüster: What do you like about Wiesbaden?
Olena: I moved to Wiesbaden in 2015 to study here at Rhein Main University of Applied Sciences. The city welcomed me warmly right from the start - and won me over more and more over time. Or, to be honest, it won my heart. I love how green it is here and how quickly you can get from the lively center to quiet corners. You can get to know the city in just one day - an exciting contrast to the city of Kharkiv with its 1.5 million inhabitants, where I grew up.

As I walk around, I am constantly struck by the beautiful facades - there are details to discover everywhere. The mixture of the many architectural styles turns the city into a time machine for me: sometimes it feels like I've landed in the middle of the 18th or 19th century. Incredibly romantic!

And then there's this little bit of magic in everyday life: green parrots fluttering through the trees in winter. Or a summer afternoon by the fountain in Adolfsallee that suddenly feels like a vacation. It's moments like these that make me want to get creative.

Quellgeflüster: How did you get into drawing?
Olena: My first degree was in architecture. At the time, our professor advised us to draw a lot outside of university - and that's how I discovered sketching for myself. Over time, drawing became something that always brings me back to myself. When I draw, I get into an almost meditative state. That's why I encourage others to give it a try.

In the beginning, I shared my drawings on a blog, then later on Instagram. However, architecture wasn't my subject from the start. As a student, I often commuted to Frankfurt and drew people on the train, scenes from everyday life or in lectures. Back then, the project was called "365 Days of Sketches" - at least one sketch a day. This was followed by other personal projects such as the "100 Portraits".

There were also phases in which my sketchbooks lay untouched on the shelf for a long time - but I never really let go of them. At some point, I bought a simple pad again and drew the view from the balcony. From then on, it became more and more. Suddenly I had found my subject - and that was Wiesbaden. The city is like an inexhaustible muse for me: always new motifs, always new perspectives. I could draw forever without ever getting bored.

Quellgeflüster: What inspires you?
Olena: I'm inspired by people who follow their heart's path and make their own dreams come true. Stories like that inspire you to stay curious and open - and to trust your own inner voice.

Thanks to my account, I was able to get to know so many creative and exciting personalities that I would probably never have met in everyday life. Every encounter encourages me to continue on this path.

The Urban Sketchers movement is a great source of inspiration for me. I like going to meetings, drawing on the spot and exchanging ideas with other like-minded people. It's not about perfection or the "most beautiful" picture - it's simply about capturing the moment, giving free rein to your creativity and adding color to your own view of the world.

Quellgeflüster: Where are you always drawn to?
Olena: The Nero Valley is a real place of power for me. Every walk there feels like a little piece of paradise - with all the plants, the big old trees and the ducks waddling peacefully through the water. Everything radiates so much harmony that you feel like you are part of it. Some people come here for yoga, sport, reading or a picnic. For me, it's often the start of a little discovery tour for new drawing motifs. You can find some of them on my profile :-) I particularly like to stop on a small bridge, listen to the sound of the water and let my gaze wander over the Wiesbaden vineyard.

Quellgeflüster: What's your tip for anyone who doesn't know Wiesbaden yet?
Olena: Start with a cup of coffee, preferably with a view of Schlossplatz and Martkirche, and then stroll across Kranzplatz and Taunusstrasse into the Nero Valley. As you might have guessed from my last answer: I really recommend this park to everyone.

In the warmer months, it's worth taking a ride on the historic Nerobergbahn - the ride itself is an experience. Once at the top, there's a lot to discover: perhaps have a bite to eat with a view of the Neroberg Temple or enjoy the moment in the beautiful Château Nero... The Löwenterasse offers a fantastic panorama over the rooftops of the city. Every time I stand there, I feel like I've just arrived in Wiesbaden.

Anextra tip: take the little "Thermine" streetcar from the market square. I only tried it out myself a few years later - and was surprised at how many new things there are to discover on the 50-minute tour!