Yuri Leonov Art

Gifts, Trades, and Obtainments. pt 1

2012-01-14T20:39:00.000-08:00

I have put my new series on hold, in order to deal with some freelance side projects, commissions, and other miscellaneous works. There are also plenty of distractions recently: holidays, a family skiing trip, social life... The next few weeks (and thus posts) will be devoted to the completion of those things.

Rachel, who's a good friend of mine, and a wonderful artist recently designed and screen printed sketchbooks and notebooks. Contact her to get your hands on one.

I've started drawing in mine recently:

Another colleague of mine Louis Spano has been a tremendous help in terms of getting together art crits I've been arranging in the last couple of months.

He just made a portrait of me in my studio, check it out !

Website Update

2011-12-22T08:50:00.000-08:00

I've made some advancements to my website recently, with the help of Jenna M. Fryer.

Improved the structure, added some things here and there: YuriLeonov.com

Updated it with the two recent series:

- REMAIN

Added new works to:

The reception at Dacia was fun, thanks to those who came out !

Happy Holidays to all !

HYPERBOREANS

2011-12-09T21:38:00.000-08:00

My new work will be featured in a group show HYPERBOREANS opening on

Thursday December 15th, 6-10 pm

Dacia Gallery, 53 Stanton Street, New York, NY

On view December 15 - January 15, 2012

The two recent paintings are studies, and an introduction of sort to the new series I am working on titled "Ex Nihilo".

Also in the show are new works from my buddies: Jake Blake, Louis Spano, and Lisa Fiore.

Full list and details on the press release:

new sketchbook stuff

2011-12-06T02:37:00.000-08:00

New pages from my sketchbook. Was playing around with these 6 simultaneously, in the last month or so. They ended up feeling like landscapes to me for the most part, not sure why. Can't believe there is only a few more blank sheets left...

Downward

2011-11-24T03:03:00.000-08:00

Every year fall seems to coincide with a weak time for me, in terms of the work output. The last two months have been going on trips and spending time with my grandmother, who is visiting me in New York for the first time. I was attempting to compensate by writing down thoughts, and working on concepts for the forthcoming projects, while analyzing my general progression to this point; sort of being my own lab-rat. Also busy with making adjustments/additions to my presentation on the web and on paper, arranging art crits with my buddies, and doing some freelance projects.

This is a drawing ("downward") that was featured in the Black Sheep exhibit last month.

It turned out to be a rather significant piece to me: besides it being a rare occasion for a page from my modus operandi sketchbook to have become something other than itself, interestingly enough the only other exception was "hands", which had a similar initial motivation of using my hands to create the foundation layer.

This work in some sense became a reinforcement for me to follow up on some of the more experimental directions that I have been pursuing outside my main focus in the last year.

I am beginning to recontextualize these technical approaches in accordance with the concepts that have been taking shape in my mind recently; attempting to bridge together various aspects of my execution in the new works that are a beginning of a new series.

Here is a look at one of the small paintings in the works (first 4 layers), about half-way through I guess...

Remain Series

2011-11-08T22:20:00.000-08:00

Took the show down last week. Thanks to everyone who came to see the work, bought stuff, and supported me in any/every way ! Your help is greatly appreciated (can't thank you enough)!

If you are interested, check out a writeup about the work Samantha Levin (Anagnorisis Fine Arts) put together. She's pretty much fully responsible for making the show happen !!!

Keep up with her on Twitter Flickr and Tumblr

Thanks to Louis Spano for spreading the word @ Lost at E Minor

Take a look at his own compelling distorted works at SpanoArt.com

In addition, for those who are interested I made a Flickr page containing

- Process of making a painting

- High detail closeups of the work

- Work on view

Remain: paintings

2011-11-08T11:07:00.001-08:00

Retrospection

Icarus
In
Still
Grandmother
Forest
Gone
Out
Exhausted
Unwavering
Roots
Decay
Bound
Manifestation

Remain: drawings

2011-11-07T22:27:00.000-08:00

Lost

Alone
Confined
Feet
Hands
Shedding

BLACK SHEEP

2011-10-16T19:24:00.000-07:00

I'd like to invite everyone to a group exhibit I'm partaking in: BLACK SHEEP !

Join the artists for the opening reception on Oct 20th, 6pm - 9pm !!!

RSVP on facebook

The show is at AC Gears
69 E. 8st, NYC
On view Oct 17 -30

Pretty awesome to be in a batch with all these guys !

Featured artists include:

and others.

Check out the entire list including some samples of their work on the BLACK SHEEP tumblr page

Various Promotion

2011-10-12T17:54:00.000-07:00

Lately I've been somewhat expanding on the web.

Just created a Flickr page.

It's a good place for high resolution images, which are essential in order to get the idea of my surface treatment across, something that becomes distorted when uploaded here on the blog.

Another reason for this alternative source to be justified is that besides images of my work, I'll be putting up other things like documentation of my process regarding versatile projects.

Decided to make a Twitter account as well.

Not sure where this one is headed, guess I'll just wait and see...

There is a FREE LECTURE hosted by Samantha Levin at the White Rabbit in conjunction with my show, covering an assemblage of ways to create a community, put together a show, and promote yourself and your work.

The event is assisted by the SVA Alumni Community,

RSVP on facebook !

(not going to be there since I'm still in Russia for another week, but this free talk should be totally beneficial, don't miss it !)

Hi-Fructose Magazine was kind enough to mention my solo show, and put up some images.

Check out the article here or on their facebook page !

StPetersburg

2011-10-10T19:29:00.000-07:00

So I finally got around to completing the StPetersburg series of paintings !

Part of this body of work was exhibited at ARTILLERY's debut PLEXUS and published in the Artillery Artist Book Volume 1.

The paintings were commissioned, and I just delivered them to Russia. Here is a look at them in their new home:

Bellow is an artist statement regarding this body of work, for those who are interested:

Through this series of paintings I've set out to explore the city where I was born and grew up in. Documenting this place in any sort of fashion was not my intention. Rather,I chose to present my view of it as it is: a muddled and fragmented memory of a hazy puzzle that is pieced together by various references.

Though, the trigger for my art is always a personal emotional response, all of my work tends to pull from art historical references, this series not being an exception. In these images, the formal issue of composition was the starting point of my process. While giving a nod to architecture, the initial blueprint of each piece, was the golden ratio.

Common and recurring themes that I choose to explore in my subject matter are the relationships between human beings and their surroundings. I also gravitate toward understanding our attempts in manipulating the natural. In this instance, Iʼve attempted to link the conceptual content with the formal qualities of the work by juxtaposing the tight and precise skeleton of the drawing with the rather looser, intuitive skin of painting. I look for a balance between chance and control. I let things grow out until I arrive at a point where I feel that the artificial construction has become a being.

StPetersburg: the series completed

2011-10-10T16:23:00.000-07:00

So here are the paintings:

The first one is a clash of the Saint Isaac's and Kazan Cathedrals

This painting is revolving around an excerpt of a poem about the city by Alexander Pushkin

The focus here is Peter the Great- the founder of StPetersburg

Church of the Savior on Blood

Anichkov Bridge

In the meantime

2011-10-06T10:22:00.000-07:00

So while the show is up, here is an update on some other things. I never stoped playing around in my sketchbook: the first couple of pages are from some time ago, while the later few are fairly new.

This is a portrait commision I wrapped up recently. Not exactly exciting, but helps pay the bills.

Also am taking this time to finalize the previous series, and start cooking on some new ideas. Another update very soon...

On View

2011-09-20T15:27:00.000-07:00

First of all thanks so much to all those who made it to the reception. Your support means more than you might think, an artist cannot exist without an audience. The show is on view at theWhite Rabbit until October 31st, Tuesday through Saturday 6:30pm to 2 am, or by appointment.

The gallery of the work is available online - here !

Feel free to email Samantha Levin for a price list and further details at art@artanagnorisis.com

You can check out the work during the next Scribbler event taking place at the White Rabbit on Thursday, September 22nd, 7pm- 11pm.

RSVP on the facebook page ! All are welcome !

Check out the photos from the previous two scribbler events on the Anagnorisis Flickr page.

Last but not least here are some sweet shots taken by Matt Grashaw during the reception.Check out his wonderful photography blog !

REMAIN

2011-08-29T23:43:00.000-07:00

I'm looking forward to sharing a new body of work entitled "Remain" in my debut solo exhibition.

These fourteen paintings and eight drawings, made over the last eight months were a great opportunity for me to focus on an entirely personal subject and approach. I am happy to say that this is the first time I was able to create something, which wasn't compromised by any factors outside myself.

Looking forward to seeing everyone at the reception- Friday, September 9th, 7-10 pm.

The show is on view Septmeber 3rd through October 31st.

*There has been a slight delay with the installation due to the hurricane.

You can browse through the online gallery of works in the exhibit, at the Anagnorisis "Remain" page.

My website is updated with the info as well.

Finally here is a painting of my grandmother, one of the first pieces emerging from the series.

Solo Show !

2011-08-12T23:59:00.000-07:00

I am very glad and excited to announce my inaugural solo exhibition !

The show is presented by the Anagnorisis Fine Arts and will take place at the White Rabbit, for the duration of September and October.

There is a page online with the information, bio, and some images of the work.

Lastly here is a photo of my page in the Grad Issue of the Visual Opinion. These are the initial pieces from this body of work

Artillery Artist Book

2011-08-03T19:48:00.000-07:00

Volume One of the Artillery Artist Book has been printed !

You can order your copy online (preview available in its entirety).

Had a ton of fun art directing this thing, happy with the print. Some photos I took of my copy:

Thank you !

2011-07-28T16:35:00.000-07:00

Once again I am thanking everyone who has supported our ARTILLERY project onKickstarter, and those who came out to see the show last month. For those who couldn't make it here are some photos:

A couple of close-ups of my work:

There are two more St Petersburg paintings that are still in progress, detailed info and images will be released when the series is complete.

Lastly I would like to thank my fellow artists Carolyn Jao, Jake Blake, and Joseph Perrotto. I am grateful for being a part of this team and am looking forward to our future endeavors !

Long Overdue

2011-07-21T15:01:00.000-07:00

Seems like every summer is a time of changes for me. A number of long term events have come to a conclusion: Finally got my BFA from the School of Visual Arts. Moved into a new place with more space for painting, here is a peak

My official website is finally up and running ! It was put together by Jenna m Fryer, in an exchange for this painting of my cat.

However besides things getting resolved, there are complications. My laptop broke, thus delaying everything, including this blog. A lot of updates coming very soon, regarding what has been going on and what is yet to come !

PLEXUS

2011-06-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

It is finally here: the ARTILLERY artist's debut !

Our inaugural exhibition: "PLEXUS" is now open to the public and is on view until July 3rd.

The reception is on Thursday, June 23rd, 6:00 - 10:00pm, all are welcome !

Here is the press release:

Here are my comrades taking a break after setting up the show.

More Print

2011-05-29T04:02:00.001-07:00

My Icarus painting was featured in the Self Portrait issue of the Visual Opinion

We made promotional cards for our ARTILLERY quartet
And I used a fragment of the image for a business card (website still in progress, though will be finished real soon)

Its interesting how some projects you're involved in are beyond your control. They evolve on their own, over the time of their development. Here are a couple of things from the past:

I did a cover for the Fall issue of Inkstains (comics publication by the students at SVA), that unfortunately never got printed, but ! is now available online in its entirety !

Another project I initially got involved with last summer has been forming into shape this whole time and is beginning to flourish.

There should be more info in the near future...

Icarus

2011-05-11T22:40:00.000-07:00

This self portrait deals with juxtaposition of strength and weakness. The initial concept is derived from a place of personal struggle caused by human flaws that affect my well-being. The work gives a nod to the myth of Icarus, and in a way relates to the essence of John Millais' painting "Ophelia", while recontextualizing the subject into present day.

Open Studios

2011-05-01T01:47:00.000-07:00

School's out !

Come by and take a look at some awesome work by the Illustration and Cartooning students graduating from the School of Visual Arts with me.

One night only !

Artillery Group Show Confirmed

2011-04-07T22:43:00.000-07:00

At last our Artillery group show is confirmed for late June !

Check out the new ARTILLERY WEBSITE

And here are some of the initial concepts for body of work I will be exhibiting

Print

2011-03-30T23:30:00.000-07:00

Some of my work has been printed recently.

The Gulliver painting was featured in the calendar issue of the Visual Opinion magazine:

one of my experimental works got into the collage issue of the Visual Opinion
I've been playing around with some ideas for a promo, here is a more successful version

and lastly here are some bookmarks that were made as a trial for our Kickstarter campaign.
I'm astonished by the support we've got so far, and am looking forward to the show !

check out the update at our ARTILLERY website

Recent events

2011-03-15T20:38:00.000-07:00

An update on some things happening recently:

Firstly, a painting I've made is going to be in a group show

EFFLORESCENCE at Dacia Gallery

here is an invite:

Here are some images leading up to various paintings and painting series I am working on at this time:

And finally here is an update on our Kickstarter page,

with a video of some work in progress in my studio !

Sketchbook experiments

2011-03-15T20:18:00.000-07:00

Carolyn

2011-02-28T20:40:00.000-08:00

So I've made a painting relating to the one I did a few months back titled "Svetlana".

This one is of my fellow artist Carolyn Jao, whom I go to SVA with. Just recently she led the development of an art group titled artillery, consisting of her, myself, Joseph Perrotto and Jacob Blake.

We are planning to put a show together in the near future. With the help of our Kickstarter page we're raising funds to pay for the gallery, and at this point it is already looking very realistic.

Any help is highly appreciated ! There are plenty of Artist books, cards, and prints to go around.

Visit our kickstarter page @ http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/90125251/artillery-artist-book-gallery-show

Also, here is an awkward thank you video from me: http://www.kickstarter.com/projects/90125251/artillery-artist-book-gallery-show/posts/57591

Oppenheimer (Now, I am become Death, the destroyer of worlds)

2011-01-28T01:23:00.000-08:00

So here is the painting from the group show (Peripeteia) I was in earlier this month.

Its a portrait of Robert Oppenheimer, theoretical physicist who directed the Manhattan Project developing the first nuclear weapons.

Modus Operandi

2011-01-14T01:15:00.000-08:00

More sketchbook stuff...

Visual Opinion 17 vol.1

2011-01-11T00:45:00.000-08:00

One of the projects I took up in the last couple of months was art directing the Visual Opinion magazine at SVA. It was a difficult but very interesting experience, and a good chance to look at illustration from a different perspective.

The most exciting part was eventually seeing the layout filled with the work of my peers in a printed format. Some of the published artists are Stephanie Rodriguez, Rachel Pontious, James Bascara, Oluremi White, Michael Williams, Ke Li, and many others. Pick up this free issue and follow Visual Opinion on facebook !

Here is a peak inside the magazine

Group Exhibition: Peripeteia

2011-01-06T06:32:00.000-08:00

2011 is off to a nice start for me !

A new painting I just finished will be featured in a group show opening this Friday at White Rabbit.

The show is curated by Samantha Levin, who runs the Anagnorisis Fine Arts group.

The venue is downtown, on Houston Street, next door to Sunshine movie theater, all are

welcome !

The list of artists includes Buddy Nestor, Adam Doyle, Caitlin Hackett, and many more !

Don't want to spoil the show by putting up the painting, but here is a preview

Capgras delusion

2010-12-27T17:09:00.000-08:00

I've made a bunch of images theses last couple of months, not a lot of them I'm satisfied with though. This is one of the things I feel is more or less adequate. The piece is an illustration to a disorder named Capgras Delusion where a person holds a delusion that a friend, spouse, parent, or other close family member has been replaced by an identical-looking impostor.

Here are some fun preliminary experiments I've had with rorschach designs

Gulliver in Icelandic

2010-11-20T00:27:00.000-08:00

This is an illustration to a short story titled Gulliver in Icelandic by Etgar Keret

Sketchbook

2010-11-16T11:25:00.000-08:00

More sketchbook mumbling...

dripping spilling horizon off, mess the light growing not so much landing not so soft parasite not large or confined, the terror spilling again coffee stains and dirty light

Wrath

2010-11-09T11:38:00.000-08:00

This is a piece on one of the deadly sins, which I started last month. I have gone back into it and reworked/finalized it in the last few days. Here it is

Studies

2010-10-24T11:36:00.000-07:00

While I'm finishing other things here are some studies I made in a class with Peter Fiore. His show is coming up, check it out !

Moe's Cafe

2010-10-13T22:03:00.000-07:00

This is a commission I did for the SVA cafeteria called Moe's Cafe. The project was pretty challenging for me since I usually don't deal with type and fonts and such. After struggling for some time due to my lack of knowledge in typography I asked a fellow SVA student who just graduated from the graphic design department for help. Liz Chan gave me some very insightful and constructive advice, after which the piece moved forward, and I can say that I'm pretty happy with how my attempt at a more graphic design oriented project turned out.

Medusa

2010-10-09T10:45:00.000-07:00

This piece is a portrait of Sasha Grey, as a contemporary Medusa Shield. While on one hand it is a nod to Caravaggio's painting, on the other it is a commentary on the porn industry, specifically in the United States.

In my opinion its numbers (Every 39 minutes - a new pornographic video is being created in the United States; A total of 4.2 million websites contain pornography; Every second - $3,075.64 is being spent on pornography; The total current income of the country's adult entertainment is often rated at $10–13 billion) and effects are rather disturbing. The fact there are legitimate awards for giving head definitely says something about the public mindset.

new sketchbook

2010-10-04T23:35:00.000-07:00

So I've started a new sketchbook recently. Its a mixed bag of drawings from life, imagination, and experiments.

Afterlife

2010-09-26T02:23:00.000-07:00

This is an illustration for a story from a book called Sum by David Eagleman. The outcome is in a way scattered, but I am moving in an intentional direction, which includes combining several images in a graphic composition, depth juxtaposed with flatness, and having a variety of surface treatments. This one can be called a useful failure...

Svetlana

2010-09-12T15:28:00.000-07:00

Another painting that I started during the summer, and finished up now. It probably isn't a portrait...

Dealing with illusionism and flatness, in a dynamic, rhythmic composition.

Process

2010-09-07T21:48:00.000-07:00

My summer hasn't been very productive in terms of artwork output, but I've had a lot of fun and am getting back into my art-making mode now. One of the things I did do was a painting of my mother, which is at this point about 90% finished. I though it would be interesting to put together a collage made up of photos of the painting in its making.

Photo of me by Peter Fiore:

Entertwine (part 1)

2010-07-31T16:52:00.001-07:00

I arranged a fun collaborative project with several artists a few weeks ago. The primary output was this 40x60 mixed media drawing executed through automatism. The participants were:Yevgeniya Domashova, Yuri Fialko, Samuel Krichmar, and others.

The second stage of the project is the music video which is in the works at this time. The video exhibits the process as well as some feedback from the artists involved.

Titanomachy

2010-07-20T23:42:00.000-07:00

This is the series I made for the Thesis project in my 3rd year at SVA. I got the paintings back after they were in two group shows, both in SVA galleries, and finally took some decent photos.

Titanomachy is a triptych made up of three separate 64 x 96 oil paintings.

“In his large oil paintings, Yuri Leonov uses traditional figure painting to comment on our technological age. Dominating his canvases are life size figures representing Greek gods manipulating financial and media empires run amok.”

-from SOCIAL press release

Zeus

2010-07-20T23:32:00.000-07:00

Hades

2010-07-20T23:25:00.001-07:00

Poseidon

2010-07-20T20:13:00.000-07:00

Day at the Beach

2010-07-10T10:40:00.000-07:00

This is an experimental piece. Watercolor, tape, color inks and white charcoal.

Question 62

2010-06-29T22:44:00.000-07:00

This summer I was granted an advanced hothouse illustration class. The first assignment is an illustration for T.C. Boyle's short story entitled "Question 62 ". The first image is my former solution.

After the critique I made another more focused and refined version (the latter), also getting rid of some excess secondary elements.

2010-06-22T00:00:00.000-07:00

Sean Mellyn, whom I’m being a studio assistant for, is going to have a reception this Wednesday. Its a really great feeling to see the works of art that I’ve had some input in (even if just a little), go in a show and sell to some very prestigious collectors.

As for my own stuff: at this time I’m playing around a lot with various mediums and approaches. Here is a drawing from life with a ball point pen, over an improvised watercolor layer.

This was a quick watercolor sketch I did on location in Delphi, and later on went over it with blue ink, and a bit of color pencils.

Playing with some color pencils and pen on toned paper in a form of automatism.

summer so far

2010-06-17T23:30:00.000-07:00

Its been a while since I updated the blog, I suck. Anyway the summer is going great. Two of the paintings that were in the Thesis show are now also in a group show "SOCIAL": An exhibition of photography, painting and sculpture that examines current global conditions and cultural legacies. (I’ll upload the images of the paintings when I take decent photos)

During my awesome trip to Europe I haven’t really made much art (enjoying the social life a bit too much). The one thing I did do is much like a diary of quick recordings of places, people and things made in very short time intervals that I had.

Thesis Show

2010-04-17T16:51:00.000-07:00

There is a beautiful group show up in Chelsea (601 W 26th street #1502).

The exhibit consists of the outstanding and versatile work made by my fellow illustrators and cartoonists studying at SVA. The triptych I've been working on for these last few months is in the show. Be sure to check it out !

Thesis progress/sketchbook stuff

2010-02-22T20:30:00.000-08:00

The Thesis project is coming along. Nothing finished yet to show. Some sketchbook stuff:

Thesis progress and various failures

2010-01-27T22:16:00.000-08:00

I've spent the fall semester pretty much figuring out what I did, but mostly didn't want to do for the Thesis project. Now I am on my way. The first image shows some initial steps in my current process

I thought I'd show a few ideas that are in some ways similar to where the work is going, but lack a solid concept and poses an attitude that has changed.

Grass, Rocks, Mushrooms... what's next soil ?

2010-01-06T00:33:00.000-08:00

Its an inside joke. I'm not actually a crackhead though, hahaha

2009-12-30T10:51:00.000-08:00

Another similar painting I did. This one I spent less time on, but nonetheless I think it turned out ok

Though again it looks really bad on here. All of the red hues that tie it in seem to just magically disappear as the file goes through the uploader, once again justifying painting as a medium that should be witnessed in person.

life painting

2009-12-16T21:04:00.000-08:00

Another painting from Steven Assael's class. I will probably go into the lower portion and define the hands more, eventually.

On a side note: it isn't clear to me for what reason, but either way the blog uploader somehow decides to make certain images look like lo-res, drained out color shit; specifically in this post, and the previous one with the life model...

The Cat

2009-11-27T22:33:00.000-08:00

This is a painting I made for my mom's birthday as a play on Goya's historical landmark in modern painting: "The Dog"

Oedipus Rex long format

2009-11-27T22:20:00.000-08:00

This is another painting I did earlier as a poster for the Oedipus Rex Oratory

2009-11-21T21:10:00.000-08:00

painting the light and flesh

Trois Crayons

2009-11-17T18:58:00.000-08:00

Drawing in a trois crayons technique from Steven Assael's studio visit

Dying fetus (complete)

2009-11-07T12:50:00.000-08:00

Finally the last picture from the dying fetus series is finished. Here is the whole thing

drawing at the museum

2009-11-06T23:59:00.000-08:00

I had fun sketching some stuff at the Natural History Museum with Johnny

portrait of a friend

2009-10-25T20:16:00.000-07:00

Here is a portrait I made for my friend whose birthday was this weekend. Ink, watercolor with some salt, colored pencils, lightened with white charcoal.

Oedipus Rex

2009-10-14T21:48:00.000-07:00

My last project was an illustration to the greek myth of Oedipus Rex. I thought it would be interesting to show the process step by step, similar to my last year's professor Yuko Shimizu

The first step is brainstorming

I then narrowed it down to a pretty clear idea of what I wanted to create

My main influences were the William Blake show which I then just saw, and the ALIEN movie poster, since my piece was meant to be a poster.

In the first stage I put down the composition and started painting it out

After more work and critique I realized that the figure needed to be adjusted

Next I changed the figure to give it more purpose and drama

So here is the finished product (not the best photo though).

Sketchbook

2009-09-24T12:25:00.001-07:00

I've decided to put up some stuff from my sketchbook. Quick sketches of people (my step sister, old friend, cute girl on the plane, and my grandmother), and a couple of things from my short stay in Paris.

dying fetus, pt.2

2009-09-07T12:38:00.000-07:00

Here is one more

dying fetus

2009-08-31T15:30:00.000-07:00

This is a series I've been working on in August. Visually it is influenced by the esthetic of illustrations for children. I will soon make a couple more for this group.

August

2009-08-24T16:29:00.000-07:00

A lot of things happened this month, both good and bad. First of all I'm an illegal immigrant in my own country, partially due my own stupidity combined with the inefficient laws and corrupt government. Besides bribes, long lines and formal bullshit, which is intolerable I'm having a great time. On my way to St. Petersburg I've stopped by in Paris for a couple of days, went to see some places of historical importance here in Russia, and am going to the capital for a couple of days. As for art: I've been trying to make consistent and finished works as opposed to just sketching stuff. A couple of series are coming along, as well as a commissioned illustration that I didn't scan/photograph (didn't come out that great anyway). Here is a series of my and my friends' conceptual portraits in the current state of our lives.

Painting for relatives pt2

2009-07-20T20:12:00.000-07:00

Another one; me in childhood. And I'm off to Russia !

Painting for relatives

2009-07-14T08:59:00.000-07:00

So here is another painting for my relatives. This is my Grandmother with my Grandfather's brother; he passed away last year.

Drawing in Steven Assael's studio

2009-07-08T19:49:00.000-07:00

In the past two weeks I had a chance to visit Steven Assael in his studio, watch him paint, and work on a drawing of my own. The model was my friend Jane, who just graduated from SVA, check out her stuff @ http://www.yevgeniyaart.com/index.html

Website Project

2009-07-06T20:52:00.000-07:00

For the last couple of month I have been collaborating with a couple of people. The idea is to make a website that will bring together an art community, in a collective discussion process based on a podcast. Since there are several people involved the progress is somewhat slow, but steady. Here are a couple of designs that will go on the index page of the web site, in the near future.

Marquis the 5th

2009-06-30T10:53:00.001-07:00

Thanks to my friend Carolyn http://www.carolynjao.com/plug/ I had a chance to use a printing studio and try out monoprinting. This is a portrait of my cat Marquis the 5th.

Drawing with Tae and Edwin

2009-06-28T23:15:00.001-07:00

I was hanging out with Tae http://tae-q.blogspot.com/ and Edwin

http://ironpinky.blogspot.com/ recently, and made a watercolor drawing while they were working on their stuff.

Father

2009-06-20T15:42:00.000-07:00

I've been pretty busy lately, not with making art though, unfortunately. I am grateful to intern for Bernstein & Andriulli http://www.ba-reps.com/ (artist management agency), and serve as a studio assistant for Sean Mellyn http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=W99-pKXPbrg

The downside of these otherwise great involvements is the devotion that results in lack of time for making my own art. Just concluded this painting of my father, which was in the works for longer than it should have. I plan on making several similar paintings for my relatives and friends before my departure to the motherland; hopefully creating this deadline will force me into being more productive

NIИ

2009-06-07T22:07:00.000-07:00

I went to see NineInchNails today and had a blast. Here is a recent watercolor of Trent Reznor; what a great influence and source of inspiration !

at the MET

2009-05-31T22:37:00.000-07:00

I went to The Metropolitan Museum of Art this Friday & Saturday to work on a drawing. Pretty simple and academic, still fun though.

The Cycle

2009-05-28T19:40:00.000-07:00

I have been working on this piece for a while now, and since my school year is done and I have free time it is finally finished. Like other things that I make for myself this one contains a theme, but is still open to interpretation. The title is "Cycle"

birthdays (part 2)

2009-05-24T13:51:00.000-07:00

So here is another one

birthdays

2009-05-21T16:26:00.000-07:00

A couple of my good friends' birthdays are coming up later this week, and since I'm always broke I'll make them small paintings for gifts. Finished this one a yesterday, and am working on another.

central park

2009-05-19T16:30:00.000-07:00

I went to central park yesterday, and did this small painting/study. Certainly not an accomplishment, but a good experience. Painting water from life is harder than I thought.

this school year's last project

2009-05-17T20:42:00.000-07:00

I finally got around to starting a blog. I guess it makes sense to have one, especially since my website is still under construction at this point. I'm working on various project at this time, they are all in progress. It seems like the right thing to do is to start this off with something that's actually finished. So here is a painting project I did for my elective class this spring. There is a certain narrative to it, but it's still more on the "fine art" side, in terms of openness