Olena: I moved to Wiesbaden in 2015 to study here at RheinMain University of Applied Sciences. The city welcomed me warmly right from the start—and, over time, has won me over more and more. Or, to be honest: it has captured my heart. I love how green it is here and how quickly you can get from the lively city center to quiet corners. You can get to know the city in a single day—an exciting contrast to Kharkiv, the city of 1.5 million where I grew up.

As I walk around, I keep getting caught up in 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.

Olena: I first studied architecture. Back then, our professor advised us to draw a lot outside of class as well—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 enter an almost meditative state. That’s why I encourage others to just give it a try.

At first, I shared my drawings on a blog, and later on Instagram. Architecture wasn’t my focus from the very beginning, though. As a student, I often commuted to Frankfurt and would sketch people on the train, scenes from everyday life, or even during lectures. Back then, the project was called “365 Days of Sketches”—at least one sketch a day. Other personal projects followed, such as “100 Portraits.”

There were also periods when my sketchbooks sat untouched on the shelf for a long time—but they never really let me go. At some point, I bought another simple sketchpad and drew the view from my balcony. From then on, it just kept growing. Suddenly, I’d found my subject—and that was Wiesbaden. For me, the city is like an inexhaustible muse: always new subjects, always new perspectives. I could draw forever without ever getting bored. 

Olena: I’m inspired by people who follow their hearts and make their own dreams come true. Stories like these encourage me to stay curious and open-minded—and to trust my own inner voice.

Thanks to my account, I’ve had the chance to meet so many creative and fascinating people whom I probably would never have encountered in my everyday life. Every encounter reinforces my determination to continue on this very path.

A major source of inspiration for me is the Urban Sketchers movement. I enjoy going to meetups, sketching right there on the spot, and exchanging ideas with other like-minded people. It’s not at all about perfection or the “prettiest” picture—it’s simply about capturing the moment, letting your creativity run free, and bringing your own perspective on the world to life.

Olena: For me, the Nere Valley is a true place of power. 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’re becoming part of it yourself. Some people come here for yoga, to exercise, to read, or for a picnic. For me, it’s often the start of a little exploration for new drawing subjects. You can find some of them on my profile :-) I especially love to stop on a little bridge, listen to the murmur of the water, and let my gaze wander over the Wiesbaden vineyard.

Olena: Start with a cup of coffee—preferably with a view of Schloßplatz and the Marktkirche—and then stroll across Kranzplatz and down Taunusstraße into the Nerotal. As you might have guessed from my last answer, I really recommend this park to everyone.

During the warmer months, it’s worth taking a ride on the historic Nerobergbahn (opens in a new tab)—the ride itself is an experience. Once you reach the top, there’s plenty to discover: perhaps grab a light bite to eat with a view of the Neroberg Temple or enjoy the moment in the beautiful Château Nero (opens in a new tab)... From the Löwenterasse, a breathtaking panorama opens up over the city’s rooftops. Every time I stand there, I feel like I’ve just arrived in Wiesbaden all over again.

An extra tip: take the little Thermine tram (opens in a new tab) from the market square. I didn’t try it myself until a few years later—and was surprised by how much there is to discover on the roughly 50-minute tour!