Acrylic Paintings

The unknown vibrancy/potential in every child lead to the inspiration for this painting. Irrespective of any race, we should never dispute the wisdom, and knowledge in little children but rather help them on the path of identifying their purpose This leads to the title Athena's trinity (Athena means goddess of wisdom and war). The figures at the back represent the wisdom and love in a child while the figure at the front represents the power instilled in a child that should never be looked down on. All of these traits are linked to one using Trinity. Every child should not be stripped of love and wisdom but tread their path to love and wisdom accompanied by power Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Afeez Aregbede...

This piece comes framed! Frame size is 53X43 cm. About Lena: I hail from Minsk, Belarus, but spent some of my childhood visiting my father in Ukraine. At the age of 14, my family repatriated to Israel, where I pursued my passion for the arts. I honed my skills as a graphic designer while serving in the Israeli army, and later earned a degree from the prestigious Bezalel Academy of Art and Design in Jerusalem. My artistic journey has taken me far and wide, with my first and second solo exhibitions held in Japan, followed by numerous group and solo exhibitions across various countries. One of my most notable accomplishments includes creating 50 portraits for the ANU Museum Diaspora wall. In my personal works, I am fascinated by the dynamics of human relationships, both interpersonal and intrapersonal. I enjoy blending diverse sources of inspiration, such as mythological themes and classical paintings, and fusing them with contemporary culture and literature. You'll often find my pieces adorned with ornate patterns and motifs that reflect different cultural and historical contexts. CHOSEN ART EXHIBITIONS 2023 - group exhibition against the war in Ukraine - Everything is Univocal - ROAR, online VR Museum Space on Spatial 2022 - personal exhibition, Jewish Pirat, Ethiopian Queen - Eesti Lastekirjanduse Keskuse Illustratsioonigaleriis, Tallinn, Estonia 2022 - Shall i compare thee to a summer's day - group exhibition, that opens a new Diyuan Art Museum, China 2022 - Fox Spirit. Fox Charm, group exhibition, Estonia 2021 - Fluid Love, group exhibition, Teo Gallery, Israel 2020 - Mariner’s Talmud Tales, group exhibition, Jaffa Museum, Israel 2020 – Amoureusement Papier, group exhibition, Galerie Les Souliers Rouges, France 2019 - Diaspora Wall, permanent exposition of 50 portraits, ANU Museum, Israel 2019 – A Midwinter Night’s Dream, group exhibition, FROOTS Gallery, Shanghai, China 2018 – personal exhibition, Eesti Lastekirjanduse Keskuse Illustratsioonigaleriis, Tallinn, Estonia 2018 – group exhibition, FROOTS Gallery, Shanghai, China 2018 – personal exhibition, Karuizawa New Art Museum, Nagano, Japan 2018 – group exhibition, The Story Museum in Oxford, England 2017 – group exhibition, LesArt, Berlin, Germany 2015 – Israeli Glass...

It's a nice day to...start again. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready to Hang: Yes :: Signed: Yes...

The American flag sways slowly as the National Anthem plays softly in the background. A slow fade to black makes room for the single drone tone and a rainbow of color bars signal that it is officially time to go to bed...

There is a saying "Do not underestimate the power of a common man" so is that a child, decision made on them should not make them disguise their potential or make them lose their prospect and flow in life. They should be brought up to be bold and never hid under a shadow Shipping Procedure Ships in a well-protected tube from Nigeria This work is unique, not a print or other type of copy. Accompanied by a Certificate of Authenticity (Issued by the Gallery) About Artist Afeez Aregbede...

Cheesecake was a favorite treat of my Dad’s. He would grab some after a decent meal when dining out. “Your cheesecake has arrived.â€

The centerpiece of "Woman of Valor" is undoubtedly the woman's majestic afro hairstyle. In this artwork, the afro becomes a symbol of pride, cultural identity, and natural beauty. Historically associated with the Black community, the afro has been a powerful emblem of resistance, self-expression, and defiance against societal standards of beauty. By prominently featuring the afro, Edwin highlights the strength and resilience of women who embrace their heritage and challenge conventional norms. The woman's stern gaze in "Woman of Valor" captures the viewer's attention and evokes a sense of determination and self-assuredness. The intensity of her gaze serves as a reminder that strength does not always manifest through loud or overt actions. It can also be found in the quiet confidence and unwavering resolve of an individual who knows her worth and stands firm in her beliefs. Edwin skillfully portrays this inner strength, encouraging viewers to recognize and celebrate their own uniqueness. One of the most remarkable aspects of "Woman of Valor" is its celebration of individuality and authenticity. The woman depicted in the artwork stands as a testament to the power of embracing one's true self, regardless of societal expectations or pressures. By representing her with pride, Edwin inspires viewers to embrace their own identities and celebrate their personal journeys. The artwork encourages individuals to recognize the inherent strength and beauty that comes from being true to themselves. Edwin's attention to detail and mastery of his craft infuses "Woman of Valor" with emotional depth and resonance. The artist's use of color, light, and shadow adds depth and dimension to the woman's features, capturing her inner world and inviting viewers to connect with her on an emotional level. The artwork becomes a mirror that reflects the strength and determination within each viewer, inspiring them to embrace their own unique paths and stand tall in the face of adversity. Crixtover Edwin...

I don't know why I keep believing That one day they'll bring us together When they've shown, in more ways than one That all they care about is the money You belong to the one politic...

Emergence of Woman The Cosmic Dance A Visionary Figurative in Acrylic Flowing and stylized figurative work by Visionary artist Kimberlee Kuwica (American, b. 1967). From GAIA: "As t...

This artwork "Six Birds" c.1990, is an acrylic painting on canvas by Mexican artist Gustavo Martinez, b.1941. It is signed at the lower left corner by the artist. The canvas size is ...

Nudity in art has historically been a contentious subject, often raising questions about beauty standards, objectification, and the human form. In "In My Solitude," however, Edwin treats nudity with sensitivity and purpose. The nude figure, devoid of clothing and external trappings, serves as a metaphor for vulnerability and raw authenticity. It becomes a powerful statement on embracing one's true self, stripped of societal expectations and external judgments. The choice of the yoga position is not arbitrary in Edwin's composition. Yoga has long been associated with self-discovery, inner peace, and spiritual enlightenment. The woman's serene posture exudes a sense of calmness and introspection. Through this position, Edwin suggests that solitude and self-reflection are integral to personal growth and inner strength. It encourages viewers to embrace moments of introspection and find solace in their own thoughts, ultimately leading to a deeper understanding of themselves. Edwin's meticulous attention to detail and symbolism further enriches the narrative of "In My Solitude." The subtle play of light and shadow highlights the contours of the woman's body, accentuating the vulnerability and emotional depth captured in the artwork. The artist's skillful brushwork evokes a sense of intimacy, drawing the viewer into the private world of the subject. The title itself, "In My Solitude," adds an additional layer of meaning. Solitude, often associated with loneliness, is reimagined as a source of inner strength and self-discovery. Edwin invites viewers to contemplate the transformative power of spending time alone, away from distractions and truly connecting with oneself. Crixtover Edwin...

CARLOS MANUEL SALAZAR RAMIREZ "COMPANEROS" ACRYLIC ON CANVAS, SIGNED COSTA RICA, DATED 1989 16 X 24 INCHES Carlos Manuel Salazar Ramírez Born 1954 Ramírez is a artist born i...

ABOUT THE ARTIST MARTA RYNKIEWICZ is a Polish contemporary artist (born in 1983). She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowic...

«Última cena» Collection: Muses Description: Acrylic on canvas, figurative, dark, Surrealism, modern "When a successful man with social prestige is pursued by some women who only see him as a means to take advantage of his success, without realizing that they are being watched by the owner of his heart." The artwork in question may be a visual representation of the complex dynamics at play in a love triangle. The man is described as successful and prestigious, with a position of power and influence that makes him a target for women who seek to take advantage of his status. However, there is also a suggestion that the man is not free to pursue these women, as he is already claimed by someone else. The focus is on the emotional tension and drama of the situation, with the viewer invited to imagine the thoughts and feelings of all parties involved. The artwork may convey a sense of longing, jealousy, or betrayal, with the owner of the man's heart struggling to come to terms with the attention he is receiving from other women. Overall, the artwork explores the complexities of love and desire, as well as the ways in which social status and power can impact our relationships with others. Victoria...

ABOUT THE ARTIST MARTA RYNKIEWICZ is a Polish contemporary artist (born in 1983). She studied painting with Professor Henryk Czenik and graphic arts with Professor Jerzy Krechowic...

Canvas measures 38x38 cm. Frameless. Venezuelan artist, he is a painter of multiple disciplines, he likes to work the texture in his works.

Here is an acrylic painting of two friends deeply engaged in conversation over drinks in an African village within a jungle setting. The colors are so bright. :: Painting :: Surreali...

Abstract. Philosophical. Colorful. This piece flew together. The brushstrokes nearly flew from my hand to the Board. The colors demanded to play. But a name just did not show up. I...

Gerome Kamrowski Blue Fossil, 1960 Acrylic and styrofoam on board 17 x 46 inches Gerome Kamrowski was born in Warren, Minnesota, on January 19, 1914. In 1932 he enrolled in the Saint Paul School of Art (now Minnesota Museum of American Art - MMAA), where he studied with Leroy Turner...

Recalling Britannia, acrylic on canvas, 100cm x 40cm, 2023 Even in his most realistic images, there is a beautiful exaggeration in the paintings of Peter Rodulfo...

Bulb of Africa was not just a hairstyle; it was a celebration of African heritage and a testament to the resilience of its people. Passed down through generations, it represented strength, beauty, and the rich tapestry of African traditions. The Bulb showcased the natural texture and volume of African hair, transforming it into an intricate masterpiece of braids, twists, and coils. The Bulb of Africa became a symbol of empowerment, reminding people of their strength, resilience, and the beauty of their shared heritage. It served as a reminder that hair was more than a physical attribute; it was a connection to something greater—a connection to their ancestors, their community, and celebrating the beauty within themselves. Beyond their physical beauty, African women possess an immeasurable inner strength that resonates through "Bulb of Africa." Odunayo masterfully captures this strength, highlighting the resilience and determination that have defined African women throughout history. The women depicted in the artwork emanate confidence, wisdom, and a sense of purpose. Their gaze speaks volumes, embodying the stories of countless African women who have overcome adversity, shattered barriers, and carved out their own paths to success. In "Bulb of Africa," Iyiola Odunayo...

This landscape painting by Henryk was done in 2022. It will ship from the artists studio in Poland. More about Henryk Laskowska: Henryk Laskowski has been working as a graphic design...

"Superbloom" is made with acrylic, oil pastel, paper, glitter, thread and clay on canvas and paper mache. This bright and vividly colored sculptural painting is a perfect example of the power of unrestrained creativity. INSPIRATION BEHIND THE WORK - What began as an experiment in creating rose petals slowly evolved into this deconstructed "Superbloom". At the center of these petals is a seemingly chaotic arrangement of color and texture. Yet, from slow observation, patterns and repetition emerge. What can be easily grouped into a "whole" is actually a balancing act of orchestrated parts - the same as every living organism we observe. There is a mystery to be savored in every act of living - as well as in viewing the traces of life left behind. "Superbloom" was made in love of the former, and leaves behind the latter. We'll never fully understand all the bits of a rose, or all the brushstrokes of a painting, but we're always welcome to bask in the sunshine that is loving without knowing. ABOUT THE ARTIST: Los Angeles based artist, Megan Dune...

What would the last tree do? Would it come through a window, a door? There are several of the works that I have generated that express the deep concern I hold for our home planet. Th...

Beautiful painting with acrylics and oils, gold and silver inks and features a seaInspired by yoga as a means of meditation and sublime states of consciousness

Artwork by Airom and collaborators.

Even when the heaviness and challenge offered in life blocks your view, rise up anyway. This was personal. Each time there is a a challenge, for me to rise u...

This painting is from my Contrast Series, where the subject is complex and with lots of details and volume, while the background is usual a solid (usually bright) color. Like a mu...

Figurative acrylic on canvas painting of a car at night by Marta Rynkiewicz. The artist choose two vibrant colors- blue and green. The car is situated in a minimalistic landscape. Th...

Always be your BIGGEST cheerleader, first. Remember to stay true to yourself and have faith in yourself. Even on difficult days, never give up on making your dreams happen. Go after ...

Here is a reverent painting of African Christians at prayer by Cameroon artist Angu Walters. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticit...

Here is an African painting by Cameroon artist Angu Walters of a musical performance by musicians singing and playing the flute and drums in soft acrylic greens and blues. :: Paintin...

This contemporary landscape painting by Laurence O’Toole renders a dreamlike atmosphere. The artist conveys a scene that wistfully featuring a delicate still life study, suffused with golden highlights and indicated in front of a backdrop of an impression of blush pink and pastel hued clouds. This glowing scene exudes intriguing joy and energy, presenting a magical ambience implied in realistic tones and paint strokes, captured during the night. The sensitivity employed in this piece draws attention to the beauty and enigmatic glamour of delicate objects. This original artwork is painted in oils on canvas, hand signed by the artist and ready to be displayed. Laurence O’Toole is a realist painter in both oil and acrylic, whose work is a melding of figurative and nature with a surrealist approach to convey the message in his works. A self taught artist from Ireland...

A little girl in the wilderness is interacting with a deer, a wolf, a rabbit, a squirrel, and a butterfly. There are so many life lessons that we can learn from nature. Deer are grac...

A young child in the wilderness, playing with a butterfly and a tiger. There are so many life lessons that we can learn from nature. The beautiful butterfly symbolizes that in life, ...

Coneflower is a type of flower that is easy to grow and easily adapts to the environment. The little girl on the coneflower hugs her beloved cat lovingly, as if to tell everyone that...

So many layers, such texture and at each one, I did not like some of what was happening. So, another layer entered, and then another. Finally, the story it wanted to tell took shape....

In this acrylic painting from Africa, a happy couple sings a love song. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate...

"Loud Mouth" is a surrealist multi-media sculptural painting made with acrylic, paper, fabric, beads on a canvas and wood. The figures' mouth, made from wood, extends past the painting bringing the painting to life. The lashes on the figure are extended with thread which has been sewn into the canvas. INSPIRATION BEHIND THE WORK - "'Loud Mouth' was brought to life via a string of impulses similar to the ones that may lead to someone being pegged as a "loudmouth." A "loudmouth" is defined by the Oxford Dictionary as "a person who tends to talk too much in an offensive or tactless way." In my experience, however, "loudmouth" is usually used to describe someone who fits into only the first part of that definition (talks "too much"), and as a result — regardless of what they're saying — is perceived as too loud. Surely, of course, there are also those that fall into the offensive or tactless zone, but this painting isn't about them. This painting is about those who are so busy being their wonderful selves, they don't have the time or care to consider how others perceive them. It is a celebration of being genuine and sticking out past expected boundaries because you are confident in the worth of your spill-over." - Artist Megan Dune...

This image represents the struggle of an angelic soul with the World . Combination of a free expressive painting of an angelic soul drowning in a sharp geometric field. Ready to han...

Inspired by sunflowers as flowers that carry hope, happiness, energy and love of God. While the calico cat is a symbol of good luck. An imagination about life in the universe that al...

An imagination of life in nature with blooming flowers and birds that carry the message of peace. A little girl who longs for a peaceful world, represents the hope of all children ar...

The Sakyamuni (Historical) Buddha is credited with developing the teaching known as The Dharma. For me, that teaching is a masterpiece. Perfect understanding of the human condition a...

Here is a painting from Africa in sparling bright pink and violet acrylic colors of three women. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes wit...

Painting of African blues musicians in muted colors by Cameroon artist Angu Walters who is himself a musician and often paints about music. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece c...

Cameroon artist Angu Walters often paints African musicians. :: Painting :: Surrealism :: This piece comes with an official certificate of authenticity signed by the artist :: Ready ...

Aiden Kringen's (US based) "Opulence 12" is an original handmade oil painting that is unframed, but ready to hang. About the Artist: A kaleidoscopic fantasia—crystalline planes floating in space, nestling together like immaculate puzzle pieces—abstract nebulae, human figures and faces enveloped in swirling fields or particles of energy—these number among the images evoked by the hauntingly enigmatic paintings of artist Aiden Kringen. Within this worldview a mysterious network of interlocking planes becomes visible to the beholder: mystical fields of unknown substance revealed as the building blocks of our bodies and semblances, surrounding, cocooning, perhaps even protecting us. It is a vision verging on the mystical, which Kringen portrays through a distinctive style: a fractured, cubistic mode of conscious- ness in which multiple dimensions or perspectives assimilate into an ecstatic whole. The artist deploys this style in opulent and seductive portraits as well as abstract tableaux whose optical signature is magnified by compositional dynamism and deeply layered surfaces. Born in Los Angeles in 1992, Kringen lived variously in the American West and Mexico—Sebastopol, Jalisco, Portland, Flagstaff—before settling in the hill- and vineyard-dotted environs of Sonoma, County, where he is now based. In these very different environments, each of which possesses a uniquely picturesque natural beauty, the artist began from an early age to develop his aesthetic approach. He has always had a keen eye for detail, grounded in a gift for looking closely at the human experience. “I’ve always been interested in observing people,” he recalls, “and in the details of how we interact with one another.” He put this natural ability to task when he began working on illustration and graphic-design projects while in high school. From his mother, an artist and graphic designer, he learned the fundamentals of composition and typography, the nuances of positive and negative space and the relationships between them. Using sheets of Letracet—a system for transfer- ring typeface—proved particularly instrumental in developing a methodology for layering and collage, which continue to inform his works on canvas and paper. He learned old-school tech- niques, hands-on and mechanical, in keeping with a Bauhaus-like appreciation for perfectionism, integrity, and hard work. Kringen began painting at 14. Then as now, drawing was central to his approach. He studied vintage anatomy atlases and drew meticulously in his journals, working through myriad permutations of bones and skin, angle and pose, muscles in motion. Honing his natural talent for figuration through long and exhaustive study, he arrived at an understanding of the figure that is both intuitive and virtuosic. On acrylic and mixed media on canvas, Kringen lays down linework with a Micron pen in ever-more-complex compositions, often with the addition of gloss mediums to bring out the layers’ reflectivity and prismatic character. In some pieces he incorporates gold and silver leaf to heighten drama and luxuriance, recalling the mosaic-like work of Gustav Klimt—who, along with fellow Austri- an Expressionist Egon Schiele, stands among Kringen’s most prominent influences. It was in 2011 that he began painting in the style with which he is now most associated: a technique fusing drawing and painting, line and brushstroke, with fragmented shapes undergirding the imag- ery. Notably, this is not simply a stylistic conceit, but more a way of perceiving reality. “Ever since I was young,” Kringen notes, “I’ve spent most of my time observing people: trying to break people down, in a visual sense, into small categorizations of their features, their mannerisms, the way they twitch their nose...” His hypersensitivity to likeness and gesture is key, for this is what distinguishes his portraits from those by artists who strive to depict idealized beauty as an end in itself. Yes, there is an undeniable beauty to Kringen’s subjects, but it does not follow strictly conventional paradigms. There is an individuality, a capturing of idiosyncracies and eccentricities, of optimism and fatalism, light and dark, in his work. He is not painting archetypes, but rather illuminating the essential charac- ters of real people in a highly refined genre of psychological portraiture. The fragmented linework, the grids of planes he uses as lenses to focus these characteristics, is sui generis but never gimmicky; above all it is a tool for defining and refining the features of the face, adding depth and definition. In his abstract work he uses similar techniques, paring the fabric of perception itself down to bare essentials of form, color, and texture. The abstract pieces are simultaneously elegant and complex, combining the sweeping gesturalism of Abstract Expressionism with the rigorous structure of geomet- ric painting. Across the breadth of his output Kringen balances technical and thematic polarities into bracing integrations of sensuality and grittiness, inviting contemplation into the nature of opticality and the infinite possibilities of the seen and unseen. —Richard Speer is a contributor to ARTnews, Artpulse, Visual Art Source, and Surface Design. His essays and reviews have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Post, The Oregonian, Salon, Newsweek, and Opera News. He is the author of “Matt Lamb...

This contemporary landscape painting by Laurence O’Toole renders a dreamlike atmosphere. The artist conveys a scene wistfully featuring rich colours emphasising a phenomenal natural ...

Here is a painting of an African musician playing the mvet, a traditional African musical instrument. The pointed roof at the top center is the way traditional village homes look...

Created during and inspired by Covid-19 pandemia. Like a musician playing by ear and improvising as he goes, my art begins not with cautious preliminary sketches but working directly...

Personaje original surrealist acrylic painting Cándido Ballester is a contemporary Mallorcan painter who was born in 1926. As a child he had to emigrate to Argentina. In the 60's he ...

Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences while a surreal narrative takes the audience on a journey into the imagination. In October 2023 Isabel won the Evelyn Williams Drawing Award at the Trinity Buoy Wharf Drawing Prize. Known as the UK’s most prestigious annual open exhibition for drawing; part of the prize is a solo show at Hastings Contemporary, scheduled for 2024. Whilst Isabel always has a tale to tell for each of her images, you may or may not choose to go on the journey with her or you may indeed have a different story, one of your own that jumps off the page at you, that that you decide to follow. Artwork Details: Best Day Ever, 152x122cm, Collaged woodblock print, acrylic ink on Somerset satin paper, 2023 Artwork Provenance: from the Artist Studio photo credits, Isabel working, black and white shots, James Brown In Isabel's own words: Best Day Ever; It was the best day ever. Just one of those days when everything goes right and the world is an exciting place. The very pavements seemed to be alive with magical stories to tell of the many feet that had trampled upon them. Everything seemed right with the world because I was going to meet my friend for a glass of wine. You know that friend who just gets you? Who you don't have to explain everything too, and they laugh in all the right places. I was going to meet that friend and have a glass of wine and everything else could wait. It really was the best day ever. *Please note we are happy to ship this work rolled in an art tube. Whilst the work is on heavy duty art paper and mixed media, the artist is happy that the painting will be fine rolled in a tube. This is a more cost effective and environmentally sound method of shipping. Shipping via this method is free. About Isabel Rock and her work: Taking inspiration from Japanese woodblock prints and Indian miniature painting Rock has developed a unique collage technique that combines bold structures with large-scale woodblock prints and intricate detailing. The subject is a grand mixture of humour, drama, hidden morals, fanciful characters, modern culture, mythical beings and fantastical situations. Rock creates a world that pulls you in and demands your attention. Quality of line is paramount, the drawings are created using a dipping pen and acrylic ink. An essential tool is a squirrel...

Aiden Kringen's (US based) "Onyx" is an original handmade oil painting that is unframed, but ready to hang. About the Artist: A kaleidoscopic fantasia—crystalline planes floating in space, nestling together like immaculate puzzle pieces—abstract nebulae, human figures and faces enveloped in swirling fields or particles of energy—these number among the images evoked by the hauntingly enigmatic paintings of artist Aiden Kringen. Within this worldview a mysterious network of interlocking planes becomes visible to the beholder: mystical fields of unknown substance revealed as the building blocks of our bodies and semblances, surrounding, cocooning, perhaps even protecting us. It is a vision verging on the mystical, which Kringen portrays through a distinctive style: a fractured, cubistic mode of conscious- ness in which multiple dimensions or perspectives assimilate into an ecstatic whole. The artist deploys this style in opulent and seductive portraits as well as abstract tableaux whose optical signature is magnified by compositional dynamism and deeply layered surfaces. Born in Los Angeles in 1992, Kringen lived variously in the American West and Mexico—Sebastopol, Jalisco, Portland, Flagstaff—before settling in the hill- and vineyard-dotted environs of Sonoma, County, where he is now based. In these very different environments, each of which possesses a uniquely picturesque natural beauty, the artist began from an early age to develop his aesthetic approach. He has always had a keen eye for detail, grounded in a gift for looking closely at the human experience. “I’ve always been interested in observing people,” he recalls, “and in the details of how we interact with one another.” He put this natural ability to task when he began working on illustration and graphic-design projects while in high school. From his mother, an artist and graphic designer, he learned the fundamentals of composition and typography, the nuances of positive and negative space and the relationships between them. Using sheets of Letracet—a system for transfer- ring typeface—proved particularly instrumental in developing a methodology for layering and collage, which continue to inform his works on canvas and paper. He learned old-school tech- niques, hands-on and mechanical, in keeping with a Bauhaus-like appreciation for perfectionism, integrity, and hard work. Kringen began painting at 14. Then as now, drawing was central to his approach. He studied vintage anatomy atlases and drew meticulously in his journals, working through myriad permutations of bones and skin, angle and pose, muscles in motion. Honing his natural talent for figuration through long and exhaustive study, he arrived at an understanding of the figure that is both intuitive and virtuosic. On acrylic and mixed media on canvas, Kringen lays down linework with a Micron pen in ever-more-complex compositions, often with the addition of gloss mediums to bring out the layers’ reflectivity and prismatic character. In some pieces he incorporates gold and silver leaf to heighten drama and luxuriance, recalling the mosaic-like work of Gustav Klimt—who, along with fellow Austri- an Expressionist Egon Schiele, stands among Kringen’s most prominent influences. It was in 2011 that he began painting in the style with which he is now most associated: a technique fusing drawing and painting, line and brushstroke, with fragmented shapes undergirding the imag- ery. Notably, this is not simply a stylistic conceit, but more a way of perceiving reality. “Ever since I was young,” Kringen notes, “I’ve spent most of my time observing people: trying to break people down, in a visual sense, into small categorizations of their features, their mannerisms, the way they twitch their nose...” His hypersensitivity to likeness and gesture is key, for this is what distinguishes his portraits from those by artists who strive to depict idealized beauty as an end in itself. Yes, there is an undeniable beauty to Kringen’s subjects, but it does not follow strictly conventional paradigms. There is an individuality, a capturing of idiosyncracies and eccentricities, of optimism and fatalism, light and dark, in his work. He is not painting archetypes, but rather illuminating the essential charac- ters of real people in a highly refined genre of psychological portraiture. The fragmented linework, the grids of planes he uses as lenses to focus these characteristics, is sui generis but never gimmicky; above all it is a tool for defining and refining the features of the face, adding depth and definition. In his abstract work he uses similar techniques, paring the fabric of perception itself down to bare essentials of form, color, and texture. The abstract pieces are simultaneously elegant and complex, combining the sweeping gesturalism of Abstract Expressionism with the rigorous structure of geomet- ric painting. Across the breadth of his output Kringen balances technical and thematic polarities into bracing integrations of sensuality and grittiness, inviting contemplation into the nature of opticality and the infinite possibilities of the seen and unseen. —Richard Speer is a contributor to ARTnews, Artpulse, Visual Art Source, and Surface Design. His essays and reviews have appeared in The Los Angeles Times, The Chicago Tribune, The New York Post, The Oregonian, Salon, Newsweek, and Opera News. He is the author of “Matt Lamb...

French Surrealist artist, late 20th century/ early 21st. acrylic and pen painting on board, unframed board: 29.5 x 41.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very...

Oksana Domnytska "Untitled"

French surrealist artist, late 20th/ early 21st century acrylic and pen painting on board, unframed board: 29.5 x 41.5 inches provenance: private collection, France condition: very g...

Isabel Rock is a creator of contemporary fairy tales. A graduate of the Royal College of Art in London, her work is an explosion of strange occurrences whi...

The figurative surrealistic paintings of Carlos Gamez de Francisco are heavily influenced by his Cuban upbringing in a Russian governed academia setting. This presence exposed Franci...