I was born in Russia in 1957, and I've been trying both hands (I'm ambidextrous) at art ever
since. I can remember my self from the age of two, and when I was three, I was the terror of my
mother's make-up kit, as I loved to draw murals on the wallpaper with her lipstick. All through my
childhood I continued drawing, and in high school, though I left much to be desired in my other
classes, I excelled in art and singing. I think that I was not a good student in other areas,
because I prefer to teach than to be taught. Eventually though, I learned to learn.
In 1972 I entered the State Art College in Baku, where impressionistic, realistic, and abstract
painting were taught...but no classical. I joined other students in minor revolts against
communism by growing my hair out, looked for hot chicks, and even studied quite a bit. In 1976
I graduated, and went to work at the Research Institute of Design in Moscow. From 1986 to
1990 I lived in Moscow and worked as a graphic artist and illustrator for magazines published by
the main Russian Press Agency, "Novosti" (News). I also designed posters for leading pop
singers and rock groups during this period of time, but my most important work was the active
and attentive study of the technique of the old masters such as Rubens, Van Dyke, and
Snyders. This is when I met Nikolai Shurigin, a successful artist and Russian patriot, who,
though younger than me, had already discovered much about this technique and was powerful
both in his painting and in his personality. I learned much from and with him.
I left Russia for the first time in 1988, when I visited Italy to study the paintings in the museums
and exhibit some of my own. In 1989 I opened Rubens Gallery in Moscow, under the
sponsorship of the central youth newspaper, "Komsomolskaya Pravda". I also took part in
numerous exhibitions in Moscow, which were covered by the Russian Press.
I have been living and working in the USA since 1990. This unique classical technique is
practiced by very few artists at this time and is no longer taught in art schools. My works are in
private collections in many countries around the world.
since. I can remember my self from the age of two, and when I was three, I was the terror of my
mother's make-up kit, as I loved to draw murals on the wallpaper with her lipstick. All through my
childhood I continued drawing, and in high school, though I left much to be desired in my other
classes, I excelled in art and singing. I think that I was not a good student in other areas,
because I prefer to teach than to be taught. Eventually though, I learned to learn.
In 1972 I entered the State Art College in Baku, where impressionistic, realistic, and abstract
painting were taught...but no classical. I joined other students in minor revolts against
communism by growing my hair out, looked for hot chicks, and even studied quite a bit. In 1976
I graduated, and went to work at the Research Institute of Design in Moscow. From 1986 to
1990 I lived in Moscow and worked as a graphic artist and illustrator for magazines published by
the main Russian Press Agency, "Novosti" (News). I also designed posters for leading pop
singers and rock groups during this period of time, but my most important work was the active
and attentive study of the technique of the old masters such as Rubens, Van Dyke, and
Snyders. This is when I met Nikolai Shurigin, a successful artist and Russian patriot, who,
though younger than me, had already discovered much about this technique and was powerful
both in his painting and in his personality. I learned much from and with him.
I left Russia for the first time in 1988, when I visited Italy to study the paintings in the museums
and exhibit some of my own. In 1989 I opened Rubens Gallery in Moscow, under the
sponsorship of the central youth newspaper, "Komsomolskaya Pravda". I also took part in
numerous exhibitions in Moscow, which were covered by the Russian Press.
I have been living and working in the USA since 1990. This unique classical technique is
practiced by very few artists at this time and is no longer taught in art schools. My works are in
private collections in many countries around the world.
| Alexei Antonov - Oil Painter Email: alexei@antonovart.com Studio: 425-446-1037 Websites: www.artpapa.com www.antonovart.com |
Classical painting, not to be confused with figurative
or realistic painting, is very real.
Classical paintings, though very real, are not to be
confused with the contemporary figurative and
realistic styles. This is art for all those of us who
have lamented the decline of beauty and grace with
the increase of technology and industry. As we
develop new, faster ways to do things, we often lose
touch with the better ways. I has re-established that
link through my paintings. The Classical art school
does exist, and is prepared it for the twentieth-first
century We all prepare to meet the twenty-first
century in various ways. Take a look at how I am
preparing with my paintings, and how Classical art is
prepared to reclaim its place. My Classical painting
is my route to the twenty-first century, and I invite
you join me. Come with me.
Alexei Antonov
or realistic painting, is very real.
Classical paintings, though very real, are not to be
confused with the contemporary figurative and
realistic styles. This is art for all those of us who
have lamented the decline of beauty and grace with
the increase of technology and industry. As we
develop new, faster ways to do things, we often lose
touch with the better ways. I has re-established that
link through my paintings. The Classical art school
does exist, and is prepared it for the twentieth-first
century We all prepare to meet the twenty-first
century in various ways. Take a look at how I am
preparing with my paintings, and how Classical art is
prepared to reclaim its place. My Classical painting
is my route to the twenty-first century, and I invite
you join me. Come with me.
Alexei Antonov
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