One might see these works of art -- when compared to their photographic counterparts -- and assume these are Photoshop or Painter work-overs. And, they very well may be. These days, there is a proliferation of artists entering the market who specialize in converting photos to paintings or art. But these are quite different. They're painted from scratch using oil on canvas.

Arthur Braginsky

This portrait of a young girl by Arthur Braginsky, reveals the artist's deep study and influence from the works of the Dutch Masters* and painters like Claude Lorraine*, and Sandro Botticelli*. He takes rather ordinary starting images and transforms them into classic works of art.

Study his classic use of color in concert with light and shadow. Also note his pure insight into time and place -- setting the portrait in a place that reinforces the mood, emotions and texture of the subject.

This portrait shows how Braginsky makes all the right decisions about what details to eliminate, which ones to exaggerate, and how to add warmth to flesh tones. Note the original photograph he worked from, and the finished painting. Here, you'll note the flowers have been brought forward and emphasized -- yet much of the detail has been omitted. The handling of fine detail, the hands, the feet, jewelery and that lovely flowing fabric of the blouse makes this almost photographic. Such detail lets the viewer believe that this is a real, living young woman.

Arthur has a fascination with the human body. While his extensive portfolio is primarily nudes and portraiture, he easily handles spectacular landscapes in the tradition of the romanesque masters. This "Landscape" reflects handling of light, shadow, color and texture in exquisite harmony.

In this before and after, we see those values from the landscape above, reflected in play -- yet once again Arthur has taken great liberties in those decisions of what to modify from reality and which to keep. Again, note the use of light sources and the transparency as light bathes the scene in warmth. These elements along with the way he weaves the hair into the dream-like background makes these paintings masterly.

Arthur Braginsky was born in 1965, and graduated from the art school in 1982. His exibitions have been seen all over western Europe. While browsing his gallery, pay close attention to light sources, texture and the subtle ways he adds a touch of fantasy to an otherwise realistic depiction of the subjects.