See all oil paintings listed in the main catalogue filtered by 2021 year.
The 2021 gallery showcases Igor Shulman’s original oil paintings in realism and figurative styles. Explore past artworks capturing intimate scenes, portraits and expressive compositions. Many of these works are now part of private collections, while selected pieces may still be available as limited edition prints or reproductions. This archive highlights Shulman’s mastery of color, composition, and narrative in oil on canvas, making it a must-see for collectors and art enthusiasts. Discover sold artworks and collectible pieces from 2021 that reflect Shulman’s unique artistic evolution.
Themes: Sisters, Piano, Music, Childhood, Intimacy, Domestic Scene, Shared Moment, Realistic Portrait, Nostalgia, Family Connection, Young Girls, Home Setting, Warm Atmosphere, Instrument, Pianos Art
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Sisters II
59.06 H x 39.37 W x 1.97″ x / 150 H x 100 W x 5 cm
The painting presents two young girls seated side by side at an antique upright piano, their backs facing the viewer. Their braided blonde hair and simple, homespun dresses reflect a gentle, unpretentious charm. One wears a loose off-white blouse with denim overalls, the other a dark blue dress with subtle detailing near the neckline. Their bare feet peek from beneath a striped throw draped over the bench, creating a sense of casual intimacy.
The setting is warm and inviting, dominated by the rich, dark brown tones of the polished piano. Muted earth tones throughout the composition enhance a nostalgic, serene mood. Light is soft and diffused, possibly from a nearby window, highlighting the girls and their connection to the instrument. The dark wooden floor reflects faintly, adding depth to the composition, while the throw’s muted stripes visually unite the figures and the piano.
Shulman’s technique combines realism with a painterly touch. Brushstrokes are visible yet delicate, contributing texture and depth without detracting from the calm atmosphere. Light and shadow are used thoughtfully to define the forms and create a sense of quiet contemplation.
The mood is tranquil and reflective, capturing the sweetness of shared childhood experiences. The piano suggests creativity, learning, and growth, while the girls’ engagement highlights sisterhood, connection, and shared curiosity. The painting evokes gentle nostalgia, emphasizing the simple joys and intimate moments that quietly shape early life.
Romantic Couple is an original oil painting by Igor Shulman that centers on the quiet intensity of human connection. Two figures stand locked in a close embrace, their bowed heads and intertwined arms directing attention to the physical language of comfort rather than individual identity. The faces remain largely hidden, allowing the gesture itself to become the subject of the composition.
The background is loosely defined, built from layered browns, grays, and soft violet tones that create an atmospheric setting without describing a specific place. Diffused light falls across the figures, separating them from the surrounding space while reinforcing the intimacy of the moment. Warm flesh tones contrast with the subdued palette, drawing the eye toward the hands, shoulders, and the point where the two bodies meet.
Visible brushwork and fluid transitions between color give the surface an energetic yet controlled character. Broad painterly strokes simplify forms while preserving anatomical structure, balancing realism with expressive interpretation. This approach allows the emotional weight of the scene to emerge through composition, color, and gesture rather than detailed facial expression.
The embrace can be understood as a symbol of reassurance, shared experience, and mutual support. Because the identities of the figures remain undefined, the scene suggests a universal moment that many viewers may recognize from their own lives. As a contemporary figurative painting, this artwork by Igor Shulman explores themes of closeness, vulnerability, compassion, and the enduring importance of human presence during moments of uncertainty.
Some archived artworks may be available as prints upon request.
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