OLGA GAVRILOVSKIY

Figurative art has enjoyed immense popularity ever since prehistoric people discovered the potentials of drawing and carving. As an artist, I am fascinated with features of the human body, especially the face. Our faces are the most direct reflections of our emotions and feelings. The language of frowns and smiles came long before man discovered words and we still heavily rely on it when communicating with each other. While often it is the obvious expressions of rage or laughter that stick out in our mind the most, even the subtlest glances or gestures can reveal strong emotions. Above all, it is those subtle gestures and expressions on our faces that fascinate me. My goal is to relay the strongest emotions of anguish, fear, loneliness, happiness, elation, et cetera using the barest minimum of the vocabulary of facial expressions. I intend to reach the impact of 'The Scream' without the distorted grimace on the face.

Images of friends, family, people I knew back home in Russia. Every set of eyes, pursed lips, faraway look or intent gaze has a story to tell. I know all their stories - they lie close to my heart. These faces tell of the land, the harsh and beautiful landscape of Siberia that shaped their lives. They also tell of our shared humanity, regardless which continent we are on.

I developed the technique of working color pencils over watercolors  (Family Friend, Uncle) while creating illustrations for children's books. On hot pressed watercolor paper with smooth surface the pencil gives the watercolor a kick and a definition of color. Working beyond illustrations I found that pencil lines can be incredibly expressive, moreover, I can construct an entire piece with lines but without ever employing contour. This approach reminds me very much of Vincent Van Gogh's paintings with their expressive brushwork and his drawings, with lines full of movement and purposeful direction.

Landscapes of my memory, places dear to my heart I had to leave behind to find a new home in the United States. All immigrants experience varying degrees of homesickness. Some can't bear it and even after decades in their new country leave everything and relocate back to their homeland, as my father did. Others make peace with their new life and tuck away the memories of their homeland in a pocket close to their heart to reminisce every now and then. When melancholy strikes I revisit old photographs, books, mementos brought with us from our old life in Russia.

Images of fog particularly draw me in lately, perhaps because I'm in a place in my life now where the future is unclear. Multiple possibilities are hidden behind the ever shifting veil of uncertainty and I can't see. I feel like I have to fumble blindly my way through to get to the other side. At the same time, my past is slowly fading from me, getting lost in the day-to-day life of 'right here and now.' It is all I can do to hold on to my precious memories is to paint them.

Inspiration for this series comes from within. To paraphrase the renowned mystic Rumi, there is a universe inside each of us. At some point in our lives existential questions arise. What and who are we? Are we apart from or a part of the water, air, trees and mountains that surround us? Do we simply gaze at the stars at night, or are we stars, and how do we connect? In search for my own answers I have begun this journey of self-discovery, to paint a portrait of a soul.

Often a picture is worth a thousand words, but at times a picture needs some insight to be understood. These deeply personal and introspective pieces take their root in my poetry, which you can find here.

One phrase to describe a horse: poetry in motion. This noble creature embodies boundless gracefulness, freedom, and exhilaration of spirit. From grazing fields to dreamlike, surreal scapes, to close and intimate equine portraits I strive to elevate the image of the horse beyond the levels of folk, 'western' and niche art and pay it the homage it deserves as such great artists as Debra Butterfield, Franz Mark and Robert Vavra have done. 

Cats have an air about them, like they know things, but they will not tell. They have a reputation of mystery to maintain; where they disappear to in the night, where they learn their dance moves and who they talk to in the sunshine.

It started with a perfectly intact husk of a dead insect I found. I've trained my artistic eye to see beauty in everything. Very soon I had gathered a collection. These fragile remnants call for expressive brushstrokes that can capture the shimmering of light and wings, giving them a new life.

Commission work is often 'bread and butter' of a portrait artist. In the age of perpetual screens of all sorts and fleeting digital images that we are flooded with on a daily basis a portrait, painted by loving and skillful hand of an artist, capturing a precious moment in time makes a special and timeless gift for any occasion.

Portraits are done from your photographs in a medium (oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencils) on a surface (canvas, paper, board) of your choosing. Prices depend on size, medium, and number of pets/people in the painting. 

Please feel free to contact me with questions, ideas and visions for the portrait you have in mind.

Commission work is often 'bread and butter' of a portrait artist. Pet portraits make a great gift for any occasion and continue to bring joy to their owners even long after their four legged friends are gone.

Portraits are done from your photographs in a medium (oils, acrylics, watercolors, pencils) on a surface (canvas, paper, board) of your choosing. Prices depend on size, medium, and number of pets/people in the painting.

Please feel free to contact me with questions, ideas and visions for the portrait you have in mind. 

Here are placed animal portraits that don’t fit into any previous categories or galleries.