Gallery, 2008 – Archive of Oil Paintings
See oil paintings listed in the main catalogue filtered by 2008 year
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Monica Bellucci (2008) – Oil on Canvas, Portrait in details
This painting is a close-up side view of a Monica Belucci's face, which takes up most of the canvas. She has long, dark brown or black hair that flows past her shoulders, painted softly without sharp details. Her skin has warm tones of ochre and burnt sienna, giving her a sun-kissed look.Her eyes are closed or nearly closed, giving the impression she is deep in thought, prayer, or feeling a gentle sadness. Her expression is calm but thoughtful. She wears big gold hoop earrings that highlight her neckline and add a subtle touch of elegance. Her hand is partly visible, raised near her neck with fingers slightly spread, as if she’s softly touching or caressing her skin.
The background is a plain off-white or very light cream color with a textured surface, possibly from thick paint, which adds depth and draws attention to her profile. The overall feeling of the painting is peaceful and reflective.
The limited colors and soft light create a calm, intimate mood. There’s a stillness to the image—no movement or action, just quiet presence. The artist’s signature is discreetly placed in the bottom left corner.
Contemporary Realism
27.6 x 39.4 in / 70 x 100 cm
Crafty (2008) – Oil on Canvas in details
This realistic portrait shows a young woman, likely in her late teens or early twenties, kneeling on a light-colored, possibly off-white or beige surface. Her knees are together, and her hands rest clasped between her thighs in a formal yet intimate pose. The minimalist background—a simple wash of light color—draws full attention to her figure and expression.
Her long auburn hair falls past her shoulders, partially covering one side of her face. Her serious, almost pensive gaze meets the viewer’s directly, creating a strong sense of connection. Warm tones of browns and oranges render her skin, suggesting a sun-kissed complexion that contrasts with the cooler hues of her dark clothing.
She wears a sleeveless black top paired with a light beige or off-white short skirt or shorts. The simplicity of her attire keeps the focus on her presence and emotions. Subtle light and shadow modeling adds depth and three-dimensionality to her form.
The overall mood is one of introspection and quiet thoughtfulness. Her direct gaze and serious expression invite viewers to reflect on her inner life, while the plain background enhances this contemplative atmosphere. The painting’s realism and careful detail emphasize the emotional depth of the subject.
Realism
39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm
8 Marth (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 100 x 100 cm in details
This painting portrays a young girl standing in a desolate landscape, taking themes of solitude and resilience.The main subject of 8 Marth Oil Painting is a young girl, perhaps eight or nine years old, with long, blonde braids tied with small red ribbons. She’s dressed in a dark brown, almost black, hooded coat, a long, striped skirt in muted pinks and whites, and dark brown boots. Her posture is still and slightly hunched, suggesting a quiet sadness or weariness. Her gaze is directed slightly downward, and her hands are clasped in front of her, adding to her introspective demeanor. A small twig or branch rests gently across her shoulder.
The background is a blurry, atmospheric landscape dominated by muted grays, blues, and browns. It appears to be an open area or possibly a sparsely-populated town or village. The background is painted with a loose, impressionistic style, leaving the details indistinct. The textures are soft and blended. The lighting is soft and diffused, with no harsh shadows, contributing to the overall melancholic mood.
The artist employs a painterly style, showcasing a blend of realism and impressionism. The girl is rendered with more detail than the background, creating a clear focal point. But even the girl is slightly hazy, softening lines and avoiding sharp definition. The brushstrokes are visible but not aggressively so, creating a sense of fluidity and texture. The colors are subdued and melancholic, adding to the somber tone of the work.
The mood of the painting is contemplative and somewhat forlorn. The isolated figure of the girl against the bleak landscape evokes a sense of loneliness and vulnerability. The muted colors and diffused light enhance this feeling, creating a quiet, introspective atmosphere. The overall impression is one of quiet contemplation, perhaps reflecting upon a difficult experience or a period of personal reflection.
Symbolism could be interpreted in different ways. The girl's isolation may symbolize feelings of alienation or abandonment. The muted landscape could represent a challenging environment, both physical and emotional. The small red ribbons could be a small touch of hope or childhood memory amidst the bleakness. The painting invites viewers to contemplate the story behind this young girl and her situation. The twig might symbolize fragility or a connection to nature amidst her isolation.
Realism, Impressionism
39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm
The Absinth (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 100 x 100 cm in details
A melancholic woman sits at a table with a raven nearby, symbolizing loneliness and contemplation. The focal point of the painting is a young woman with long, dark brown hair. She is depicted in a contemplative posture, her face partially obscured by her hand, which she gently holds to her mouth. Her expression appears melancholic or possibly weary; her eyes are partly closed, suggesting introspection. Her skin tone is warm and rich, and she wears a dark-colored sleeveless top, which blends into the background. Her body is relaxed, yet her pose suggests a state of quiet sadness or perhaps resigned weariness.A black raven stands on a table near the woman. Its posture is alert but not aggressive. The bird's presence adds a dramatic and symbolic element, often associated with omens or loneliness. Its dark plumage contrasts sharply with the lighter tones of the background and subtly emphasizes the overall mood.
A partially set table is visible in the foreground. Glassware (at least two glasses, possibly for wine or spirits) and what appears to be a partially used plate and perhaps a small box are present on the table, hinting at a meal that may have been interrupted or that has lost its appeal.
The painting demonstrates a refined blend of realism and expressionism. While the rendering of the woman and bird is realistic in terms of anatomical accuracy and detailing, the overall mood and use of color contribute a powerful expressionistic quality. The brushwork is generally smooth, showing a skillful handling of paint to render skin textures and the glossy surfaces of the glassware. The artist utilizes a dramatic contrast of light and shadow to highlight the figures and create a compelling sense of depth. The background's simplicity emphasizes the subjects, reflecting a conscious artistic choice focused on communicating a specific mood and message rather than detailed realism.
The style suggests meticulous attention to detail in capturing the human form and the dark tones of the bird, but allows space for emotional interpretation
Realism, Expressionism
39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm
The October (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 35.43 x 47.24 in / 90 x 120 cm in details
A woman in a dark dress stands by a railing, gazing thoughtfully at a flock of cranes migrating across a snowy landscape. Her auburn hair is pulled back, and her simple dark brown dress contrasts with the pale winter palette surrounding her.
The cranes are painted with loose, gestural brushstrokes that emphasize their graceful movement and collective flight. The background features muted greys, whites, and browns, with softly rendered distant trees that add depth to the scene.
This painting blends realistic detail in the figure with impressionistic techniques in the birds and landscape. The smooth brushwork on the woman contrasts with more expressive textures in the background, creating a calm and reflective mood that explores themes of longing, freedom, and the passage of time.
Realism, Impressionism
35.43 x 47.24 in / 90 x 120 cm
Urmala (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 31.5 x 31.5 in / 80 x 80 cm in details
A solitary woman walks along a tranquil beach carrying a pale umbrella. The soft, muted colors and loose brushwork create a peaceful and contemplative atmosphere.
The painting shows the woman from behind as she moves toward calm water, her flowing skirt and relaxed posture suggesting introspection and quiet solitude. Her reflection in the wet sand mirrors her steady gait, adding a sense of duality.
The scene is rendered in cool, gentle tones of pale purples, grays, and blues under a softly clouded sky. The artist blends realism with impressionistic techniques, using loose brushstrokes and diffused light to emphasize mood over detail. The overall effect is one of serene elegance and thoughtful calm.
Realism, Impressionism
31.5 x 31.5 in / 80 x 80 cm
Telephone Conversation (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 35.4 x 47.2 in / 90 x 120 cm in details
A woman in a bright crimson dress reclines while holding a vintage yellow rotary phone. The painting captures a quiet, sensual moment set against a muted interior backdrop.
The subject is a young woman with long dark hair, reclining gracefully with one arm near her head as she holds the phone to her ear. Her posture is relaxed yet alluring, and her warm, luminous skin contrasts with the rich red of her dress. At her feet lies a golden mask, adding a layer of symbolism and intrigue.
The background is softly muted in grayish-purple tones, creating a calm atmosphere that highlights the woman’s form through subtle light and shadow. The artist blends representational realism with a painterly touch, using smooth brushwork and a limited palette focused on warm reds and cooler background hues.
The mood is introspective and sensual, evoking intimacy and mystery. The telephone symbolizes communication and connection, while the golden mask hints at themes of disguise or hidden facets of identity. Overall, the painting invites viewers into a private, evocative moment filled with quiet allure and narrative possibility.
Realism
35.4 x 47.2 in / 90 x 120 cm
Akt 62 (Woman and wine) (2008) – Watercolor on Paper in details
This painting features a young woman seated in quiet reflection, holding a delicate wine glass. The interplay of light and shadow highlights her contemplative mood, while the dark background contrasts with the soft tones of her dress and skin, emphasizing themes of solitude and introspection.
Akt 62 captures a moment of introspective solitude through the image of a young woman with a glass of pale wine. Rendered in watercolor, the artwork balances detailed anatomical attention with loose, painterly brushstrokes that create depth and fluidity. The warm, earthy palette and textured dark background frame her thoughtful expression and relaxed posture, inviting viewers to explore themes of quiet reflection and the complexity of human emotion. Subtle details such as curling smoke above the glass add layers of meaning, suggesting fleeting moments and transient feelings.
This piece exemplifies Shulman’s expressive realism, combining mood, atmosphere, and symbolism into a poignant portrayal of the human condition.
Expressive Realism
Woman and Absent (2008) – Watercolor on Paper in details
This painting shows a solitary woman lost in thought, seated with a cigarette and a glass of bubbly drink. The dark, blurred background contrasts with her sheer red shawl and reflective posture, exploring themes of loneliness and quiet introspection.
Rendered with expressive brushwork, the artwork balances refined detail with a textured, painterly background. The woman’s pearl necklace and red shawl hint at past elegance, while the dimly lit setting and muted tones create a mood of solitude and quiet resignation. A reflective tray holding a cocktail and a blue shot glass adds symbolic layers of escapism and emotional complexity.
Through subtle contrasts of light and shadow, the artist conveys the woman’s internal struggle and the sense of absence implied in the title, inviting viewers to contemplate the silent stories behind her thoughtful gaze.
Expressive Realism
Childhood (2008) – Watercolor on Paper, 27.56 x 27.56 in / 70 x 70 cm in details
This watercolor painting portrays a young girl viewed from behind, dressed in a loose, sleeveless red dress dotted with pale orange polka dots. Her shoulder-length blonde bob and slightly hunched posture convey a mood of introspection and gentle vulnerability. The soft texture of her dress contrasts with the dark, blurred background, which hints at a dense, shadowed woodland.
The artist masterfully uses chiaroscuro—the interplay of light and shadow—to highlight the girl’s figure while leaving the surroundings ambiguous and mysterious. The warm tones of her skin and the vibrant red of her dress stand out against the deep blacks and grays, emphasizing the contrast between the child’s inner world and the external environment.
Executed in a realistic style with delicate brushwork and soft blending, the painting evokes a sense of solitude and contemplation. The scattered polka dots on her dress may symbolize the complexity of childhood emotions, while her turned back suggests a private moment of reflection.
Childhood explores themes of solitude, resilience, and the delicate balance between innocence and the challenges of growing up, inviting viewers to connect with the quiet emotional landscape of youth.Realism
27.56 x 27.56 in / 70 x 70 cm
Umbrage (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm in details
This oil painting presents a young girl standing quietly in a corner, her dark hair partially covering her face. Barefoot and wearing a pale, light-grey coat, she appears small and fragile, her posture slightly hunched in a moment of introspection. Her downcast eyes and distant expression suggest a deep emotional weight, capturing the delicate vulnerability of childhood.
The setting is a simple, textured corner of a room, where warm ochre and soft beige tones blend subtly across the walls. The muted, earthy palette and gentle, diffused light create a somber, reflective atmosphere. The visible texture of the walls and floor adds realism and depth, grounding the emotional intensity of the scene.
The artist’s approach balances controlled and loose brushwork to render subtle shifts in color and tone, emphasizing mood over detail. The painting’s quiet composition and restrained colors invite viewers to reflect on themes of isolation, emotional fragility, and the hidden struggles children may endure.
Umbrage speaks to the silent moments of childhood loneliness, encouraging empathy for the unseen emotional landscapes children navigate.
Realism
39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm
Dances Final (2008) – Oil on Canvas in details
This oil painting portrays a female ballet dancer in two intertwined poses: her upper body arched back with hands clasped above her head, expressing surrender and deep emotion, and her lower body relaxed on the floor, revealing exhaustion after intense effort. Dressed in a simple dark leotard and pointe shoes, her warm-toned skin and reddish hair stand out against the dark, impasto-textured background.
The dramatic lighting focuses on her figure, creating a spotlight effect that highlights the contrast between light and shadow. The artist’s style blends impressionistic brushwork with expressionist energy, using rich colors and dynamic strokes to convey the dancer’s vulnerability and the emotional weight of artistic dedication.
The painting explores themes of release, sacrifice, and the profound intensity behind performance, inviting viewers to witness the quiet power of a dancer’s final moments on stage.
Impressionism, Expressionism
39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm
Dancing in the Fields (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 35.4 x 47.2 in / 90 x 120 cm in details
The painting depicts a lone woman in a long, dark dress standing in a vast golden field, her light blonde hair and dress dramatically billowing in a strong wind. Her dynamic posture and determined expression convey themes of freedom, resilience, and the power of nature over the individual.
Set against a warm palette of golden-brown and burnt orange hues, the textured field contrasts with a distant line of dark silhouetted trees and a cloudy, overcast sky. The artist’s expressive brushstrokes capture the movement of the wind and the energy of the scene, blending Impressionism and Expressionism to evoke a powerful, slightly melancholic mood.
The work explores the tension between human will and nature’s forces, symbolizing life’s challenges, perseverance, and the journey of self-discovery amidst vast natural surroundings.
Impressionism, Expressionism
35.4 x 47.2 in / 90 x 120 cm
After Ball (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 35.4 x 47.2 in / 90 x 120 cm in details
This painting portrays a solitary young woman in a flowing white dress, evoking quiet contemplation and melancholic beauty. Her reddish-brown hair is styled up and partially obscured by shadows. She sits with a slightly slumped posture and bowed head, suggesting introspection or sadness.
The muted, nearly monochromatic background of greys, browns, and blues serves as a neutral backdrop, emphasizing the softness and ethereal quality of her dress. Soft, diffused light caresses her form, highlighting the delicate textures of the fabric and the warmth of her skin.
The artist employs an Impressionistic style with visible yet blended brushstrokes, creating a dreamy, painterly effect that focuses on mood rather than precise detail. The overall atmosphere is one of vulnerability, solitude, and quiet reflection.
Symbolically, the flowing white dress suggests purity or surrender, while the woman’s posture and the subdued setting invite viewers to contemplate themes of introspection, emotional depth, and the inner journey of the solitary figure.
Impressionism, Post-Impressionism
35.4 x 47.2 in / 90 x 120 cm
White Swan (also named Ballet) – Oil on Canvas, 39.37 x 39.37 in / 100 x 100 cm in details
This painting depicts a young ballerina in a contemplative pose, exploring themes of introspection and the dedication required in the performing arts. The figure is dressed in a simple off-white sleeveless leotard and a flowing, gauzy skirt. Her short platinum blonde hair is neatly styled, and her posture—with gaze directed downward and hand resting on her hip—conveys poised strength and quiet concentration.
Set against an abstract background of soft browns, tans, and dark tones rendered with loose, expressive brushstrokes, the scene evokes a smoky, misty stage atmosphere. The contrast between the carefully rendered figure and the impressionistic backdrop emphasizes the ballerina’s emotional state and the internal world of the artist.
The artist’s style blends expressive Impressionism with modern figurative painting, using visible brushstrokes to convey movement and light. The mood is serene and introspective, tinged with subtle melancholy, reflecting the pressures and vulnerability inherent in artistic dedication.
Symbolically, the ballerina represents the artist’s struggle and commitment to craft, while the abstract background suggests the uncertainty and emotional depth of the creative process. See also The Ballet Serie #1 and Serie #2
Expressive Impressionism, Modern Figurative
39.37 x 39.37 in / 100 x 100 cm
Ballet 2 (Start) – Oil on Canvas, 47.24 x 35.43 in / 120 x 90 cm in details
This painting depicts a lone female figure, possibly a dancer, in a moment of quiet contemplation or introspection. Seen from behind with a slightly hunched posture, her dark skin and elegant form convey vulnerability and stillness. She wears a flowing light-colored skirt that pools around her ankles and a loose dark top draped over her shoulders.
Set against an ambiguous, shadowy background of dark blues, purples, and blacks, the scene evokes a backstage or reflective space. The textured brushstrokes and minimal light create a moody, introspective atmosphere, with the woman’s illuminated back contrasting against the dark surroundings. A subtle reflection beneath her adds depth and symbolism.
The artist’s loose, expressive style focuses on mood and emotion rather than sharp realism, highlighting themes of solitude, artistic dedication, and the internal journey of creative expression. The painting invites viewers to reflect on the quiet, often isolating moments behind the artist’s public performance. See also Original Oil Painting The Ballet (Start) - 2007
Modern Figurative
47.24 x 35.43 in / 120 x 90 cm
Modesty (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm in details
This painting depicts a ballerina in a soft, pale lilac tutu, captured in a moment of quiet contemplation or preparation. The theme centers on grace, vulnerability, and the ephemeral nature of performance.
The central figure is a young woman with warm, sun-kissed skin, her dark hair neatly pulled back. Her posture, slightly turned away from the viewer, conveys introspection as she holds a section of her tutu around her. The tutu's soft texture and pale lilac color contrast subtly with her skin and the warm, earthy background, which ranges from light ochre to deep amber.
The artist employs expressive realism, using visible brushstrokes to capture light and form with a limited palette, creating atmospheric depth. The mood is contemplative and serene, suggesting a moment poised between anticipation and reflection, perhaps before or after a significant performance.
Symbolically, the ballerina represents artistic expression and dedication, while the tutu embodies both the fragility and artistry of performance. The painting subtly explores themes of vulnerability, the impermanence of the moment, and the quiet strength of passion.
See similar painitngs: Modesty and A Modest Girl
Expressive Realism
39.4 x 39.4 in / 100 x 100 cm
Lariska (2008) – Oil on Canvas, 27.56 x 39.37 in / 70 x 100 cm in details
This painting depicts a woman sitting alone in a dimly lit room, conveying a sense of introspection and loneliness. She has pale skin, shoulder-length blonde hair with blunt bangs partially obscuring her eyes behind dark-rimmed glasses. Her slightly hunched posture and arms wrapped around herself suggest vulnerability and self-comfort. Her serious, pensive expression adds to the mood of quiet contemplation.
The woman sits on a dark-colored sofa blending into a muted background of grays, browns, and purples. Soft, diffuse light from the back left highlights her figure and shoulders, while the rest of the scene remains shadowed, creating a chiaroscuro effect that emphasizes her emotional state.
The artist employs a painterly realism with visible brushstrokes and smooth blending, contrasting the softly rendered figure with a textured, less defined background. The overall mood is contemplative and melancholic, inviting viewers to share in the woman’s introspective emotional space.
Symbolically, the painting explores themes of solitude, self-reflection, and the internal struggles of the human psyche, with the woman’s self-embrace suggesting a need for comfort and protection amid emotional weight.
Realism
27.56 x 39.37 in / 70 x 100 cm
47.24 W x 35.43 H in / 120 x 90 cm
39.37 W x 39.37 H in / 100 x 100 cm
A similar painting Nude #632 is available in the store.
Also, watch a video review on a SUZANNA POSING painting from a very happy customer
27.56 W x 39.37 H in / 70 x 100 cm
46 W x 28.35 H in / 117 x 72 cm
Sold Lot #565 on Auction: mutualart.com
38.58 W x 38.98 H in / 98 x 99 cm
Lot #335 on Auction: mutualart.com
39.4 W x 39.4 H in / 100 x 100 cm
39.4 W x 39.4 H in / 100 x 100 cm
See a sketch for this project – By the Sea
63 W x 47.24 H in / 160 x 120 cm
63 W x 47.24 H in / 160 x 120 cm
27.6 W x 39.4 H in / 70 x 100 cm
Navigate to Igor Shulman Archived Art Gallery
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See how the Kissing Under the Bridge art was printed on canvas