UGallery Figurative Paintings

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Artist Robin Okun presents six towering figures adorned by flowery fuchsias, blues, and golds against a rich blue backdrop. They appear rooted as a unified wh...

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Artist Sharon Sieben presents an expressive portrait of a woman in warm tones of red, maroon, beige, and ochre. With her eyes closed and head tilted forward, ...

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Part of artist Onelio Marrero's ongoing series exploring scenes from the world of ballet. Two ballerinas prepare their costumes on stage during a rehearsal an...

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Using a light and soft palette, artist Mary Pratt paints a figure in a buoyant tulle dress surrounded by contrasting geometric shapes. With a pink rose in her hand, and a palm delicately placed under her chin, the woman exudes elegance heightened by her graceful manner. "I portrayed a scene where the levitating objects create action in an otherwise restful place."

About the Artist
Mary Pratt, a Georgia-based artist, is known for her impressionistic yet modern oil paintings that capture the world with a jovial poise. Her soft, ethereal palette is complemented by the occasional bright pop of color. The artist’s aesthetic choices are intuitive rather than premeditated. Through her gestural brushstrokes, Mary’s paintings summon a joyful, even childlike, emotional response. Her style is nuanced by a range of inspirations, including scenery from the state of Georgia. The personal edge that Mary brings to each painting alters and enhances recognizable subject matter, cultivating an imaginative visual experience.

Words that describe this painting: figure, figurative, contemporary, woman, people, dress, fashion, gentle, flower, soft, pastel, impressionism, oilpaint, impressionism, people, oil painting, pink

Seated In Perpetual Motion...

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A defined portrait of a man in painterly strokes by artist Sharon Sieben. His gaze holds profound contemplation with creased brows low on his forehead. "He is...

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Part of artist Onelio Marrero's ongoing series featuring museum interiors and gallery-goers. In this piece, Onelio depicts a woman sketching...

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"The subtle feminine face in this piece displays an expression of definite reluctance to commitment," says artist Sharon Sieben. A woman bathed...

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"I've painted this contemplative piece when the pandemic started and the world started changing around us," shares artist Claudia Verciani. An elderly woman g...

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An impressionistic image showing the intensity of foundry work captured by artist Onelio Marrero. Three men busily work at pouring multiple molds with molten ...

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"Nothing captures the excitement of New York City like Christmas ornaments in and around Times Square," says artist Leroy Burt. "Thi...

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"This exciting composition features a flowing movement of bright warm colors," says artist Gary Leonard. "The dress brings an abstraction of colors that enhan...

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Artist Faye Vander Veer paints a fine summer day in Tuscany. Figures emerge onto a sunlit alley making their way about the cit...

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A contemporary portrait of a reclined woman set against a painterly pink backdrop by artist Gary Leonard. The study of color and spatial division creates a st...

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A woman emerges from abstract strokes of colors in this modern contemporary portrait by artist Gary Leonard. Light falls on her delicate figure as she poses w...

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Artist Gary Leonard juxtaposes a realistic figure clothed in a floral dress against a dreamy background that hints at a wild garden. The spotlight heightens her reserved gesture and timid expression while giving her skin a soft glow. Shadows on her face, neck, and body create a striking contrast to the lighter tones of the composition. "This work creates an atmosphere of calm, blending the woman's soft countenance and pastel greens of nature. "

About the Artist
Through composition, color, texture and more, Gary Leonard celebrates beauty. His works start with the subject, but then he lets the work evolve into a more complex composition. Oftentimes, he enjoys merging figures with abstract images and varying textures. He hopes that his works will leave the viewer with a sense of warmth and peace. When he's not making art, he enjoys listening to music and learning how to play the piano.

Words that describe this painting: figurative, figure, people, woman, fashion, standing, peaceful, oilpaint, dreamy, vertical, realism, people, realism, oil painting, beige

In the Calm...

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"As I did some research on different types of dances around the world, I got to discover more about fan dancers," shares artist Dian...

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A poignant image of a young woman lying in bed by artist Onelio Marrero. She is clothed in white laying on a plush bed looking wistfu...

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"This painting depicts a typical sunny afternoon in Paris," shares artist Faye Vander Veer. "The long shadows coming in from t...

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"This painting was inspired by a feeling—a rekindling of the soul," says artist Pamela Blaies. "Using color temperature, I wanted to create the impression o...

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"This painting is another composition that depicts a group of figures with graceful and fluid movements," says artist Nancy Hughes Miller. They sway their hips in unison with bare feet in light tiptoes. Their dresses glow with intricate floral adornments.

About the Artist
Romanian-born painter Diana Chelaru’s paintings are colorful and contemporary interpretations of human emotion. For Diana, art is a means of communication. “It is how I express my thoughts, hopes, regrets and joys,” she says. Though she gets great pleasure from applying paint to canvas, it is the expression of emotions that she finds to be most important. Diana’s style is influenced by Byzantine mosaics as well as Gustav Klimt’s subject matter and use of decorative patterns within his compositions. Each artwork is created intuitively, resulting in paintings that speak to the soul.

Words that describe this painting: dance, music, figurative, figure, expressionism, movement, motion, wind...

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Artist Sharon Sieben presents a strong portrait of a woman in bright yellow, orange, and teal with defining black strokes. "It takes time to make a commitment...

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A mystical figure emerges from the divide of light and darkness. In this ethereal piece by artist Naoko Paluszak, the entity appears to be made of the same energy as where it came from. Naoko created both color balance and a robust contrasting composition that evokes strong emotion. Part of Naoko's signature Who Are These Angels series...

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"Atlanta's oldest neighborhood, Inman Park, is a popular destination for locals, the movie industry and visitors," explains artist Mary Pratt. "I was walking through Inman Park with my daughter and spotted these cool chicks and approached them to photograph. My daughter, mortified changed direction. The women, who worked in the movie industry, offered to pose on a bench outside...

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"A group of people, dressed in bright, colorful summer attire, wait in line for the store to open," describes artist John Jaster. "People watching has always ...

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"This painting is about three friends or siblings enjoying the sunshine," says artist Gail Ragains. "It bursts with California colors. Minimal on detail but a...

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Relaxed and contemplative, a woman sits reclined with both legs tucked under. Artist Gail Ragains used broad strokes of color in a harmonious combination of t...

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"This acrylic painting is of a woman sitting who is very contemplative," states artist Gail Ragains. With her elbows resting on her legs and her hair partiall...

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A contemporary scene by artist Robin Okun of tall willowy figures represented in blocks of color, stand amidst a simplified landscape. "The limited palette of...

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"The flowers hide the face so that you don’t make assumptions about the model, you focus on the beauty of existence," states artist David Shepherd. "You appreciate that they are a person without any impressions of their character. When I compose a painting I think back to my childhood memories. It ties in with what I was saying above. When you’re a child it’s much easier to make friends and enjoy people. That innocence allows for such pure emotion. I always try and get back to that feeling when I’m composing my work."

About the Artist
Canadian artist David Shepherd fuses techniques from both old and modern masters to create contemporary interpretations of the human form. While offering strong nods to pop art and cubism, the work remains grounded by David’s training in 19th Century academic realism. Combining discrete techniques within a single tableau is initially jarring to the viewer, creating an unexpected visual complexity in the work and demonstrating the artist’s breadth of skills. “I think in the future we will be much more interested in works of art that show a mastery of multiple styles,” says David. Each artwork effectually suggests the surreal nature of human existence within a convoluted modern society.

Words that describe this painting: flowers, floral, portrait, realism, hyperrealism, photorealism, hyperreal, face, beauty, eye, rainbow, calm, calming, love, lips, people, large, people, flora, realism, oil painting, pink

Loose Lips...

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"This painting of an outdoor cafe in Paris is so full of life, you can almost hear the people engaged in conversation," says Faye Vander Veer. "From the waiter in the foreground to the waiter standing in the doorway, you can feel the energy." Through her loose brushwork and sense of perspective, Faye draws you into the painting so you too can experience a sunny April in Paris...

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A figure calmly basks in the last rays of the setting sun. Light glimmers off the horizon as wispy clouds part in the atmosphere. Part of Naoko Paluszak's sig...

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"Yannis was a waiter at one of Milwaukee’s finest Greek restaurants, the Mykonos Gyro and Cafe," states artist Leroy Burt. "His favorite dish was Saganak—Kefa...

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A woman in black walks down a narrow street in Marrakesh, Morocco. "The city is known for its red and ochre walls," states artist Hadley Northrop. "The sun s...

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"The Metropolitan Museum of Art in Manhattan has an extensive collection of Roman ancestral portrait busts," states artist Onelio Marrero. "Many art students ...

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"This painting is inspired by the tarot card called the 'Ace of Swords'," states artist Rachel Srinivasan. A veiled woman peeks behind a tall sword as she is ...

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"Beja was an entertainer at one of the most colorful and notorious bars in Milwaukee," states artist Leroy Burt. "C’est La Vie cater...

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"This painting shows live-action role players under a bright early evening sky as the day's story wraps up," describes artist Jesse Aldana. "The women in the ...

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This painting drops in on a film crew working on location at the beach with a fiery sunset as the backdrop. Artist Jesse Aldana depicts a production assistant...

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A young girl sits at a park on a late summer's day in August, lost in a story of a compelling book. The strong afternoon sunlight highlights her hair and back. "I saw this girl sitting by the reflecting pool in Washington, DC", shares artist Faye Vander Veer. "I wanted the painting to be about her, so I obscured surrounding details and kept the brushwork loose. What was her story, what was she reading?”

About the Artist
Artist Faye Vander Veer seeks out moments with engaging narratives and captures them with an impressionist style. She describes herself as an observer of people living their day-to-day lives. Her goal is to offer viewers a look into her sensory memory while also prompting the beginning of a story. Faye always keeps her camera by her side, ready to capture reference material. "For me, each painting is an opportunity to explore my emotional reactions to the color and light I observe," says Faye. She enjoys being in her glass-walled studio surrounded by nature to inspire her creative process. When she is not putting paint on canvas, Faye can be found in nature, journaling or writing poetry. Her artwork has been showcased in both American Art Collector and Art of the West magazines.

Words that describe this painting: figure, figurative, female, woman, girl, impressionism, impressionist, water, book, Manet, Degas, people, park, book, hair, impressionism, people, oil painting, brown

Young Girl Reading...

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This portrait depicts a woman looking back against a night sky and a sea of wildflowers. Wearing an ambivalent expression, there is an unknown quality to the ...

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"No matter where they are, a flower is a flower!" says artist Sharon Sieben. She offers an expressive portrait of a hummingbird attracted to a blooming flower...

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A woman poses in a flowing dress of blooming geometric flowers. Her confident stance emits a powerful aura, lit by the radiant background. Part of artist Diana Elena Chelaru's ongoing series of women adorned with colorful flowers.

About the Artist
Romanian-born painter Diana Chelaru’s paintings are colorful and contemporary interpretations of human emotion. For Diana, art is a means of communication. “It is how I express my thoughts, hopes, regrets and joys,” she says. Though she gets great pleasure from applying paint to canvas, it is the expression of emotions that she finds to be most important. Diana’s style is influenced by Byzantine mosaics as well as Gustav Klimt’s subject matter and use of decorative patterns within his compositions. Each artwork is created intuitively, resulting in paintings that speak to the soul.

Words that describe this painting: pattern, figure, figurative, portrait, floral, geometric, fashion, dress, spring, Klimt, woman, people, fashion, modern , acrylic painting, blue

Woman in a Blue Dress...

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A gentle touch, a delicate figure, a woman glows under a warm dappled ray of sunlight. "I especially enjoyed painting all of the beautiful colors in this scene," artist Sherri Aldawood says about capturing her model Alana, posing in a garden one spring morning.

About the Artist
Sherri Aldawood didn't intend to always paint flowers, but over time her love of gardens started to permeate her art. She focuses on the light and color of the flowers on the canvas. Sherri prefers alla prima, working with wet layers of paint instead of letting them dry. She keeps the paint as wet as possible by using walnut and clove oil to extend the drying time.

Words that describe this painting: portrait, woman, figure, figurative, Arizona, southwest, garden, nature, outdoors, spring, flowers, floral, John Singer Sargent, Joaquin Sorolla, impressionism, female, romantic, impressionism, people, oil painting, green

Alana in the Flower Garden...

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In this painting, artist Kristen Brown paints an ethereal translucent shape of a pregnant woman standing at a window. "Overlapping nature imagery merges with ...

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Artist Naoko Paluszak paints a figure in a long golden gown floating calmly against a warm-toned atmosphere. Her immaculate wings g...

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A cluster of butterflies beckons a young woman. Artist Sharon Sieben used graphite and acrylic paint to create this expressionistic portrait. With Sharon's th...

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A small bright yellow bird closely perches beside a young woman. Artist Sharon Sieben rendered this expressionist portrait with thick painterly strokes and fragments of dispersed bright colors. The woman, caught in a moment of thought, stands before a lightly shaded background while she entertains the personal visit.

About the Artist
Sharon Sieben prefers working in a loose, fluid technique and finds inspiration in the most unexpected things. Her parents bought her a set of oil paints when she was ten years old and it sparked her love of art. She especially admires the work of Impressionist artists such as Paul Cezanne because of how they broke tradition. When she's not making art, she enjoys reading and playing classical guitar and piano. She currently lives in Arizona.

Words that describe this painting: portrait, face, expressionism, bird, woman, expressionism, people, acrylic painting, blue

Bird Song...

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"A young woman appears in an abstracted flowery dress on a very luminous background," explains artist Diana Elena Chelaru. "Tones of greens, yellow, and blue ...

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A playful scene of four boys getting ready to take their surfboards into the cool summer waters. While contemplating the incoming waves, the sun moves across the sky drawing long shadows on the sand. "This piece reminds me of fun relaxing times at the beach during the summer months," shares artist Claudia Verciani.

About the Artist
Inspired by the great Impressionist painters, Claudia uses paint emotionally to depict the beauty of life. She is most inspired by light, and as such, tends to paint en plein air frequently. Claudia strives to capture singular, transient moments in time in which the contrast between light and dark values are striking. She presents a body of work that conveys traditionally Impressionist influences across varying choices of subject matter.

Words that describe this painting: beach, ocean, boys, play, impressionism, seascape, surf, surfboards, shore, sand, water, waves, children, kids, impressionism, people, seascape, representational, oil painting, blue

Boys of Summer...

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One of artist Onelio Marrero's close neighbors is a master at the art of Bonsai. "When spring begins, my neighbor, Mark, goes about placing his potted plants ...

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Using her signature folk art style, artist Jessica JH Roller captures a tranquil scene of a woman sitting on the shore, looking out longingly at the sea. A q...

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A couple engages in deep conversation over a glass of wine at a Parisian street cafe. "The light is what first caught my eye," says artist Faye Vander Veer...

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"These spring flowers from a friend's garden made a beautiful and inspiring floral wreath for my model, Samantha," shares artist Sherri Aldawood. In this deli...

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In this hyperrealistic painting of a close-up view of an eye framed by delicate white flowers, artist David Shepherd investigates taking people out of gender....

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A hyperrealistic painting of a close-up view of an eye framed by glistening white and pink flower petals. Part of artist David Shepherd's series investigating...

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An expressionist portrait of a woman set in a deep tonal space. Her features are kept anonymous as she moves forward toward the cool, clear light. The piece i...

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A colorful scene of a carnival in Rochester, Minnesota, with two young people strapped into their seats waiting for the ride to start. "I love the tawdry splendor of gaudy carnival attractions," says artist Leroy Burt. "Flashing lights and bright colors. One often sees the most unlikely combinations of people who might never meet except during those moments when they sit next to each other on rides."

About the Artist
Artist Leroy Burt paints playful, offbeat landscapes and portraits based on his experiences living in Milwaukee, New York, Costa Rica, and currently Rochester, Minnesota. "I think of my paintings as short stories," he says. As a young child, Leroy faced a number of obstacles. His parents divorced when he was four years old and he was raised by his grandparents in a three-room shack without running water or electricity. Leroy worked hard to pull himself out of poverty. He studied graphic design and painting, which led to a 30-year career in graphic design - five years at WMVS, the PBS television station in Milwaukee, fifteen years at city hall in Milwaukee, and ten years at WNET, the PBS station in New York. In 2015, Leroy retired to focus his energy on painting. Today, he works from a tiny studio filled with half-finished paintings stacked against every wall. "There are photos and sketches for future paintings taped everywhere," says Leroy. "My windows are filled with orchids. There are books, films and music CDs in every corner. And the room is dominated by a black and silver Andy Warhol silkscreen print of Marilyn Monroe."

Words that describe this painting: David Hockney, Edward Hopper, carnival, lights, excitement, colorful, folk art, people, representational, primitive, acrylic painting, blue

Carnival Ride...

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A flowing, expressionist portrait of woman lost in dance and embracing the promise of a new day. "I created this painting as 2020 drew to a close and 2021 daw...

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"This piece is a powerful depiction of love, friendship, and courage," shares artist Miranda Gamel. A contemporary portrait of a young woman, set in a bright ...

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A woman sits contently on a green swing with tea and a bouquet of roses. Soft, dappled sunlight falls through the trees and warms t...