STONE HARBOR – One is a Master of Contemporary Realism, while the other paints realistic masterpieces that incorporate threads of Classicism, Romanticism, and Impressionism. Together, the two talented and world-renowned artists, Thomas Stiltz and Viktor Shvaiko, bring a collection of breathtaking paintings for one extraordinary exhibition at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ) over the Labor Day weekend. “Wine and Romance – the Evocative Images of Viktor Shvaiko and Thomas Stiltz” opens at the gallery on Friday, August 29, 2014 and runs through Sunday, August 31, 2014.
In addition to viewing this exceptional collection, gallery goers will have the chance to meet Viktor Shvaiko and Thomas Stiltz at Ocean Galleries receptions from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31, 2014. The exhibit, which will remain on display through Sunday, September 7, 2014, is free and open to the public, with all artwork available for acquisition.
Often described as a Master of Contemporary Realism, Thomas Stiltz brings a collection of his still life paintings to the gallery for the Labor Day showing. His long career as a professional photographer has greatly influenced Stiltz’s unique painting methods, where he uses old world techniques to apply numerous layers of oil paints, each composed of thin, colorful glazes. Whereas painters usually start with a fixed canvas size and fill it with objects, a photographer uses cropping techniques to express an image or scene. Stiltz often leaves space around the objects he paints, allowing “air” to flow through the images.
Best known for his wine paintings, Stiltz’s works feature brilliant color, sparkling realism, and quality of light. In addition to the collection of art that will be on display, Stiltz will custom paint a favorite bottle of wine for clients. He begins by photographing the wine with various arrangements and settings, with the buyer able to select a favorite image before the actual painting occurs. All custom artwork can be framed by Ocean Galleries, well known throughout the Southern New Jersey area for their exquisite framing. The gallery selected each frame for the Stiltz and Shvaiko exhibition.
Viktor Shvaiko paints in a realistic manner that defies neat labeling, incorporating threads of Classicism, Romanticism, and Impressionism into a signature style that is unique and instantly recognizable. Built on a firm foundation of academic training acquired through the disciplines of Russian art schools, Shvaiko has fused many influences into his work to arrive at his current approach to painting.
Years ago, Shvaiko fled the painful oppression of his homeland, Russia, with just his paintings strapped to his back. Winding up in Italy, Shvaiko was forced to sell his paintings to survive. After years of struggling, it wasn’t until his relocation to New York City in the early 1990s that his dream of living as an artist began to materialize.
Since that time, Shvaiko has become one of the most desired painters of the twenty-first century. His breathtaking scenes of Mediterranean landscapes and European villages are intensely focused creations that capture the subtle qualities of sunlight, shadows, and shades of color.
“I love the beauty and detail that are evident in each of Shvaiko’s paintings,” said Kim Miller, owner of Ocean Galleries. “Similarly, Stiltz’s paintings, although quite different in style, evoke great detail and encourage the viewer to examine the underlying structure of familiar forms. We are thrilled to share this amazing collection of artwork with the community over Labor Day weekend.” This exhibition represents the second time the artists will visit Ocean Galleries, which has represented the artists and carried their artwork for over 10 years.
“Wine and Romance – the Evocative Images of Viktor Shvaiko and Thomas Stiltz” includes original artwork and limited editions by the two artists, all of which are custom-framed by Ocean Galleries and available for acquisition. The collection will be on display at Ocean Galleries (9618 Third Avenue, Stone Harbor, NJ) on Friday, August 29 through Sunday, August 31, 2014, with receptions from 7:00 p.m. until 10:00 p.m. on Friday, August 29, Saturday, August 30, and Sunday, August 31. The exhibition is free and open to the public, with artwork remaining on display through Sunday, September 7, 2014.
The Stone Harbor gallery is open from 10:00 a.m. until 10:00 p.m. daily during the summer season. For more or directions, call 609-368-7777 or visit www.oceangalleries.com
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