Gallery, 2014 – Archive of Oil Paintings
Explore Igor Shulman’s 2014 archive of original oil paintings, featuring expressive figurative works, intimate nudes and animal-inspired compositions.
2014 Archive of Original Oil Paintings
This year showcases thematic series and figurative compositions, highlighting Igor Shulman’s evolving mastery of realism and modern figurative styles, including sold and limited edition works.
Shop Available 2014 Oil Paintings
View available oil paintings in the catalogue
Cat I
In Cat I, Igor Shulman captures the enigmatic presence of a tuxedo cat, drawing the viewer into the animal’s intense and mysterious gaze. The cat’s black fur is contrasted by striking white markings on its chest and face, while vivid orange eyes seem to pierce outward, conveying alertness, intelligence, and subtle suspicion. Its slightly hunched posture suggests quiet attentiveness, emphasizing the feline’s natural independence and poise. Delicate details, such as the whiskers and pink nose, add to the realism and character of the subject.
The background is dark and almost entirely black, with faint hints of deep purples and blues that suggest shadows or a dimly lit interior. Soft, blended strokes render the cat’s fur, while the more textured brushwork in the background creates a sense of depth. A focused light highlights the cat’s face, accentuating its expression and establishing a dramatic contrast with the surrounding darkness.
Shulman employs an expressive realism, balancing painterly brushstrokes with careful attention to the form and essence of the cat. The use of chiaroscuro enhances the three-dimensional quality of the figure and adds a subtle theatricality to the composition. The overall mood is one of quiet intensity and intrigue, inviting viewers to contemplate the hidden depths of the animal’s personality. Cat I celebrates the mystery, independence, and intelligence of felines, offering an intimate glimpse into a creature often misunderstood yet profoundly compelling.
Dog I
In Dog I, Igor Shulman presents a close-up portrait of a French Bulldog, capturing both its characteristic features and the quiet emotional depth of the animal. The dog’s large, bat-like ears and slightly wrinkled face frame a pair of dark, expressive eyes that convey curiosity, gentleness, and a hint of melancholy. Its head is slightly tilted, and the attentive posture suggests both patience and engagement, inviting the viewer into a moment of silent communication.
The coat is primarily white, accented by black markings around one eye and part of the muzzle, with colors softly blended to create a natural, lifelike effect. The background is a muted off-white, subtly graded with warm and cool tones that enhance the softness of the dog’s form without drawing attention away from its expressive face. Diffused lighting highlights the gentle contours of the head and chest, adding depth and warmth to the composition.
Shulman combines realism with impressionistic brushwork, using loose, visible strokes that maintain the likeness of the breed while lending a painterly texture to the piece. The overall effect is tender and intimate, emphasizing the emotional connection between viewer and subject. Dog I evokes themes of companionship, trust, and affection, celebrating the unique personality and quiet presence of the beloved pet, and highlighting the enduring bond between humans and animals.
Dog II
In Dog II, Igor Shulman presents an intimate close-up of a black French Bulldog, emphasizing the dog’s expressive face and individual personality. Its large, dark eyes convey curiosity and a hint of mischief, while the slightly wrinkled face and jowls highlight the breed’s distinctive features. The small white patch on its chest adds contrast, drawing attention to the subtle details of its form. The dog leans slightly toward the viewer, creating a sense of engagement and quiet presence.
The background is a soft wash of off-white, lightly blended with pale orange and yellow near the top, providing a neutral setting that enhances the depth of the dark fur without distracting from the subject. Diffused, gentle light illuminates the dog’s face, accentuating the textures of its fur and the reflective quality of its eyes. The contrast between the soft, muted background and the more defined brushwork on the dog brings the subject forward, creating immediacy and focus.
Shulman blends realism with painterly expression, using visible brushstrokes that convey texture and movement while preserving the essence of the breed. The mood is tender and affectionate, evoking the warmth of companionship and the subtle intelligence of the animal. Dog II celebrates the emotional bond between humans and their pets, offering a contemplative glimpse into the unique character and presence of a beloved French Bulldog.
Dog III
In Dog III, Igor Shulman presents an intimate close-up of a pug, capturing the animal’s personality and gentle vulnerability. The dog’s large, dark eyes engage the viewer directly, conveying curiosity, tenderness, and a subtle hint of melancholy. Its short, wrinkled muzzle is painted in rich browns and blacks, contrasting with the lighter fawn tones of its fur, while the slightly downturned corners of its mouth and the small visible tongue add a touch of expressive emotion. Dark, floppy ears frame the face, emphasizing its presence against the almost entirely white background.
The minimalist backdrop allows the pug to dominate the composition, with soft hints of pale beige and grey suggesting texture without distraction. Diffused light gently models the contours of the face, creating depth and emphasizing the softness of the fur while maintaining a calm and contemplative atmosphere. The focus remains entirely on the animal’s expressive features, inviting the viewer into a moment of connection.
Shulman’s style blends expressive realism with impressionistic brushwork. Loose, visible strokes convey the texture and essence of the pug without relying on photorealistic detail. Muted browns, fawns, and blacks create a rich tonal depth, while the careful blending and use of negative space draw attention to the eyes and subtle expressions. The painting evokes tenderness, warmth, and empathy, celebrating the bond between humans and animals. Dog III by Igor Shulman is a reflection on the charm, loyalty, and emotional presence of a beloved companion animal.
Dog IV
In Dog IV, Igor Shulman presents an intimate close-up of a Bulldog, emphasizing the breed’s distinctive character and gentle dignity. The dog’s large, dark eyes convey a blend of serenity and thoughtful contemplation, while its slightly loose jowls and upturned black nose add authenticity and personality. The fur combines browns, whites, and blacks, subtly blended to suggest texture and depth without rigid detail. Its calm, still posture exudes quiet strength, reflecting the loyal and steadfast nature of the animal.
The background is soft and indistinct, with muted whites, pale pinks, and grays forming an almost watercolor-like wash. This ethereal backdrop draws attention to the dog as the central focus, emphasizing presence and character. Diffused light gently illuminates the face, creating soft shadows that enhance depth while preserving a tranquil atmosphere. The subtle interplay of light and color conveys warmth and intimacy, inviting a contemplative connection with the subject.
Shulman employs an impressionistic approach, using loose brushstrokes and blended tones to capture the essence of the Bulldog rather than exact photorealism. The technique balances three-dimensional form with painterly expression, highlighting the dog’s emotional presence. The overall mood is one of gentle serenity and quiet companionship, celebrating the bond between humans and their pets. Dog IV evokes themes of loyalty, devotion, and the understated beauty of a steadfast, loving companion.
Dog V
In Dog V, Igor Shulman presents an intimate portrait of a Bernese Mountain Dog, highlighting the breed’s gentle, affectionate nature. The dog’s head and shoulders fill most of the canvas, viewed slightly from below, lending the subject a presence that is both commanding and inviting. Its large, dark eyes convey intelligence and calm attentiveness, while the subtle openness of its mouth and slightly lolling tongue add warmth and relaxed contentment. The rich tri-color coat—black, white, and rust—is rendered with careful layering and soft highlights, suggesting the volume, texture, and natural movement of the fur.
The background is minimalist, softly washed in pale grey-white, providing a neutral and almost ethereal setting that emphasizes the dog as the focal point. Light is diffused and gentle, illuminating the features evenly without harsh shadows, while the soft brushwork and occasional impasto subtly enhance the depth and tactile quality of the painting.
Shulman blends realism with expressive brushwork, capturing the essence of the dog rather than photorealistic detail. Visible strokes and layered colors convey vitality and presence, while the smooth transitions of light across the fur create a sense of calm and serenity. Dog V evokes a quiet intimacy, celebrating the bond between humans and animals. The dog’s expression and poised posture suggest loyalty, trust, and affectionate companionship, making the painting a meditation on the warmth and subtle joy of shared moments with a devoted pet.
Untitled (Veil of Snow)
In Untitled (Winter’s Quiet Passage) by Igor Shulman, a snowy city street becomes a space for quiet reflection. The main subjects—a man in a dark overcoat and hat walking away from the viewer, and a woman with an umbrella further back—dominate the scene. The man’s slightly hunched posture and near-silhouette suggest introspection, while the woman moves with subtle purpose. Other background figures fade into the snow, emphasizing the anonymity and rhythm of urban life.
The setting is a city street blanketed in snow, with buildings softened into muted purples, grays, and browns. Snow falls across the scene with an almost impressionistic texture, conveyed through Shulman’s brushstrokes. Soft, diffuse light typical of an overcast winter day enhances a subdued, reflective atmosphere.
Shulman’s impressionistic style combines loose brushwork with subtle color blending, capturing both movement and mood rather than strict detail. The texture of the snow and the layered figures create depth, while the transient qualities of winter underscore the fleeting nature of human moments in the city.
The mood is contemplative, quietly melancholic. The falling snow and isolated figures create an intimate yet detached feeling, inviting viewers to sense the subtle rhythms of city life. The painting conveys themes of solitude, passage of time, and urban introspection, with the central figure walking away symbolizing detachment and reflection.
This original oil painting exemplifies Shulman’s impressionistic approach to figurative urban scenes, balancing human presence with the ephemeral qualities of light and snow.
Crowd
In Crowd, Igor Shulman captures a fleeting encounter between three individuals in an urban environment, portraying the quiet intensity of human interaction within the anonymity of city life. Viewed from a high vantage point, the central figure, a woman in a grey business suit, stands with hands clasped and head slightly bowed, suggesting contemplation or restrained tension. To her left, a man in a tan suit gestures with his hands, his posture relaxed yet deliberate, while a shorter woman to her right looks downward, her body slightly hunched, evoking vulnerability. The muted tones of grey, tan, and soft rose unify the figures, emphasizing their shared anonymity.
The setting is an open, paved plaza, its grid-like pattern of stone tiles grounding the composition. A pale wall stretches across the background, lightly textured with hints of pink-beige, and soft, diffused light fills the scene, casting gentle shadows that enhance a sense of calm yet subtle unease. The textures are rendered with visible brushwork, giving life to both the hard surfaces of the urban environment and the fluidity of human posture.
Shulman blends impressionistic and realistic approaches, favoring loose, expressive strokes over hyper-detailed features. The high-angle perspective conveys observation and detachment, while the diffused light and softened contours create an almost dreamlike atmosphere. The painting reflects themes of fleeting human connection, alienation, and the quiet, often unspoken moments that structure our social lives. Through posture, gesture, and subtle tonal shifts, Crowd by Igor Shulman invites contemplation of the delicate balance between intimacy and anonymity in modern urban experience.
Woman in Red
In Woman in Red, Igor Shulman captures the fleeting motion and enigmatic presence of a woman seen from behind. Her dark hair is slightly tousled, hinting at a gentle breeze or the momentum of her stride, while the flowing red dress billows around her legs, conveying grace and fluidity. The figure is rendered with soft, expressive brushstrokes that emphasize movement over strict detail. The viewer’s attention is drawn entirely to her vibrant dress, which contrasts strikingly against the muted off-white and beige background. The setting is minimal and abstract, evoking a sense of depth without concrete reference points, allowing the figure’s motion and emotion to dominate.
Shulman blends impressionism with realism, using visible, dynamic brushwork to convey energy and immediacy. The soft, diffused light gently illuminates the dress and figure, enhancing the sense of quiet intimacy and the ethereal quality of the scene. The overall mood is contemplative and mysterious, inviting viewers to wonder about the woman’s identity, destination, and inner world. There is a subtle tension between melancholy and freedom, as if the figure embodies both departure and self-assured independence.
The painting explores themes of passion, movement, and personal journey. The vibrant red dress suggests energy, strength, or boldness, while the back view allows the viewer to project their own narrative onto the scene. Woman in Red resonates as a meditation on fleeting moments, unspoken emotion, and the quiet power of presence in motion.
Woman and Man
In Woman and Man, Igor Shulman captures a moment of intimate tension between a man and a woman. The woman sits on a wooden table, her legs subtly angled toward the man who stands close, creating a charged, private interaction. Her short black lace dress clings slightly to her form, suggesting sensuality without nudity, while her dark hair frames a face turned slightly toward him, her expression a mix of intrigue and quiet anticipation. The man, dressed in a dark suit, leans in with gentle strength, his posture conveying both protection and desire, his presence commanding yet attentive.
The setting is a soft, hazy interior, rendered in warm muted tones of beige, pale pink, and lavender. A rustic table with grapes and a decanter hints at a shared, private moment, while a mirror on the wall reflects diffuse light, adding depth and subtle sensuality. Shulman’s watercolor technique blends soft transitions with expressive brushstrokes, emphasizing mood and body language over strict detail. The figures dominate the composition, with background elements suggesting intimacy without distraction.
The painting evokes erotic tension, trust, and closeness, celebrating the unspoken communication and magnetic pull between two people. The subtle interplay of pose, gaze, and proximity creates a narrative of quiet seduction, emphasizing the allure of a private, emotionally charged encounter. Woman and Man by Igor Shulman explores desire, vulnerability, and the complexity of intimate human connection.
Woman
In Woman, Igor Shulman presents a strikingly intimate and enigmatic portrait of a woman shrouded in a black, lacy veil. The veil partially conceals her face, creating a sense of mystery and sorrow, while her exposed chest and nipples suggest vulnerability and sensuality. Her head is slightly bowed, eyes cast downward, evoking introspection, grief, or a private reverie. Pale skin contrasts with the dark, intricate lace, accentuating the dramatic interplay of light and shadow.
The background is a deep, shadowy mix of blacks, browns, and grays, indistinct and blurred, ensuring the woman remains the focal point. Light softly illuminates her skin and the lace, enhancing the three-dimensionality and the contrast between concealment and exposure. Shulman’s technique blends realism with subtle impressionistic touches, using oil paint to create rich textures, depth, and a soft chiaroscuro effect.
The painting exudes a mood of melancholy, mystery, and quiet erotic tension. The veil symbolizes concealment, mourning, or secrecy, while the partial nudity conveys vulnerability and intimate sensuality. The juxtaposition of sorrow and eroticism invites reflection on the complexities of feminine identity, desire, and hidden emotions. Woman explores the delicate balance between erotic allure, vulnerability, and the enigmatic nature of the human psyche.
Untitled (Back View)
In Untitled (Back View), Igor Shulman presents a delicate and introspective portrayal of a nude woman seen from behind. Her short, light brown hair is styled in a neat bob, and her pale skin is rendered with subtle reddish-brown undertones, highlighting the soft curvature of her back and shoulders. A delicate black lace choker around her neck adds a hint of elegance and contrast to her otherwise exposed form.
The background contrasts dramatically with the figure: bright white dominates the left side, casting a soft, diffused light that accentuates the woman’s contours, while deep, warm brown tones on the right create a rich, earthy backdrop. The interplay of light and shadow enhances the sense of depth and intimacy. The skin texture is smooth and velvety, carefully modeled with oils to create a tactile realism, while brushstrokes in the background add a painterly texture that frames the figure without distraction.
The mood is contemplative and quietly sensual. The absence of the face creates mystery, inviting the viewer to focus on the form, posture, and subtle emotional cues of the figure. The painting emphasizes introspection, vulnerability, and the elegance of the female body.
The back view symbolizes modesty and privacy, while the lace choker introduces a subtle tension between restraint and freedom, enhancing the layered emotional narrative. The artwork is a refined study of light, form, and intimate human presence, capturing both vulnerability and quiet strength.
Untitled (Topless Woman)
In Untitled (Topless Woman), Igor Shulman portrays a topless young woman with a sleek dark bob haircut, her striking blue eyes engaging the viewer with a serene, contemplative expression. The subject is shown from the chest up, leaning slightly against a warm ochre-toned surface, her posture relaxed yet confident. Her skin is rendered with soft, warm tones, capturing subtle shifts of light and shadow that accentuate the natural contours of her body.
The background contrasts dramatically: a dark, almost black expanse on the left conveys depth and mystery, while the warm ochre area on the right provides texture and visual balance. The lighting is soft and warm, creating a chiaroscuro effect that highlights the subject’s form and adds a three-dimensional quality to the painting. Smooth brushwork enhances the realism, while gentle tonal gradations lend an intimate, almost photographic feel.
The mood is contemplative and quietly intimate, emphasizing both beauty and dignity. The subdued sensuality focuses on the celebration of female form, confidence, and introspective presence rather than overt eroticism.
Symbolically, the contrast of light and dark may suggest transition from concealment to revelation or self-awareness, while the subject’s serene, upright posture evokes empowerment and self-acceptance. The painting captures a private moment of reflection, an elegant meditation on the female figure and inner poise.
Untitled (Nude Woman, Back View)
In Untitled (Nude Woman, Back View), Igor Shulman portrays a nude female figure from behind, leaning slightly against a wall. The figure’s posture is relaxed yet introspective, her back, shoulders, and the upper part of her thighs rendered in warm, reddish tones that capture the natural curvature and musculature of her body. Her dark hair is loosely gathered, partially obscuring the nape of her neck, while one hand rests lightly on the wall and the other hangs at her side, emphasizing stillness and subtle vulnerability.
The background is minimal, with a stark white wall contrasting against a muted gray-purple section, focusing attention entirely on the figure. The lighting is soft and diffuse, creating a gentle glow on the skin and highlighting the contours of her body. The textures are smooth on the skin, with a subtle impasto in select areas adding depth and dimensionality.
The artist’s style is realistic with classical influences, emphasizing the natural beauty and quiet strength of the female form. Brushstrokes are visible yet blended skillfully, enhancing the sense of volume and the soft play of light across the figure.
The mood is contemplative and intimate, evoking quiet introspection and subtle vulnerability. The painting invites reflection on themes of body awareness, female sensuality, and the inner life of the subject.
Symbolically, the back view suggests privacy and introspection, while the warm reddish tones convey warmth, emotional depth, and human presence. The minimal background reinforces the focus on the figure as a meditation on form, vulnerability, and quiet strength.
Woman on Sofa
In Woman on Sofa, Igor Shulman portrays a woman reclining gracefully on a white chaise lounge. The central figure lies on her side, her back and the profile of her face visible, creating a sense of mystery and quiet introspection. Her skin is rendered in warm, sun-kissed tones, contrasting strikingly with the dark, lace-like corset she wears, which hints at a blend of elegance and subtle allure. Her dark hair is pulled back, softly framing her neck and shoulders.
The chaise lounge, classic and ornate, complements the figure with its soft, plush texture and elegant scrollwork visible at the left edge. The background is minimalist, a soft, hazy wash of pale beige, blues, and grays that draws focus entirely to the woman while enhancing the sense of spaciousness. Soft, diffused light illuminates her form, accentuating curves and shadows that give the figure depth and three-dimensionality.
Shulman employs a realistic, almost photorealistic style with visible brushstrokes adding texture and energy to the composition. Light and shadow are carefully manipulated, sculpting the body and enhancing the mood of quiet intimacy.
The atmosphere is serene, sensual, and contemplative. The woman’s relaxed posture conveys comfort, confidence, and self-possession. There is no narrative; the painting invites viewers to engage with the mood, the beauty of the female form, and the sense of personal reflection.
Symbolically, the painting emphasizes themes of female beauty, sensuality, and introspective self-possession. The corset juxtaposed with bare skin subtly evokes restraint and freedom, while the chaise lounge adds elegance and sophistication. The overall effect is a celebration of the quiet, reflective moments of female sensuality and inner confidence.
Untitled (Woman with Upward Gaze)
In Untitled (Woman with Upward Gaze), Igor Shulman depicts a young woman in a serene, meditative posture. She is shown from the waist up, nude, with long auburn hair cascading gently over her shoulders. Her head is tilted back, eyes closed, and her expression conveys peaceful bliss and quiet reverence. A subtle wisp of pale fabric drapes around her lower torso, and a small earring adorns one ear. Warm, sun-kissed skin tones, highlighted with soft shading, accentuate the curves and softness of her form.
The background is minimalist, an off-white or very pale grey, creating a calm contrast that centers attention on the figure. Soft, diffused light illuminates her evenly, enhancing the three-dimensionality of her body and giving an ethereal quality.
Shulman uses a realistic style with smooth color transitions, likely achieved in oil, capturing both lifelike detail and emotional depth. Visible brushwork in the hair and subtle highlights on the skin add texture and vitality without disrupting the serene mood.
The mood is contemplative, calm, and almost spiritual. The upward gaze implies introspection or a connection to something transcendent. The figure’s nudity conveys vulnerability and honesty, balanced by an underlying sense of inner strength and confidence.
The nude form emphasizes natural beauty and openness, while the upward gaze symbolizes aspiration, introspection, and spiritual awareness. The minimal background focuses attention on the figure, celebrating the feminine form and its emotional and spiritual depth.
Woman and Fantasy
The painting centers on a solitary woman seated in a soft armchair, her posture relaxed yet reflective. Dark or auburn hair is pulled back simply, and her eyes are closed, suggesting inward thought. A pale slip drapes loosely over her body, revealing glimpses of her legs, while a delicate pearl necklace rests at her neck, offering a quiet touch of elegance. Her hands hover near her thighs in a gentle, self-aware gesture.
The background is subdued, a mixture of muted browns and grays, fading softly into shadows. On the left, a bright, almost white area diffuses light across her form, contrasting with the shadowed right side, emphasizing the intimacy of the moment. Textures are implied rather than overtly detailed, with soft brushwork conveying the fabric and skin.
The artist employs a realistic figurative style with painterly touches. Brushstrokes are visible yet subtle, blending forms and light to create depth without the rigidity of photorealism. Chiaroscuro enhances the figure, shaping her form with gentle contrasts that draw attention to her face and hands.
The painting evokes introspection and calm, capturing a private, contemplative moment. The woman’s relaxed yet self-aware posture conveys quiet sensuality and inner strength. The soft interplay of light and shadow accentuates the contrast between vulnerability and confidence.
The pearl necklace, the gentle gesture of her hands, and the muted environment suggest themes of femininity, self-reflection, and subtle eroticism. The work invites contemplation of the inner world, exploring the balance of introspection, sensuality, and personal presence.
Some archived artworks may be available as prints upon request. Learn more.