Nani by Yury Kushevsky

Yesterday my girlfriend asked me what “Stradivarius” means; although I’d heard the word, I really didn’t know. In two clicks of a Google search later, I found the following definition on Wikipedia:

A Stradivarius is a stringed instrument built by members of the Stradivari family, particularly Antonio Stradivari. According to their reputation, the quality of their sound has defied attempts to explain or reproduce, though this belief is controversial. The name “Stradivarius” has also become a superlative applied to designate excellence. To be called “the Stradivari” of any field is to be deemed the finest there is.

What does this have to do with Yury Kushevsky?  Well, I would venture to say that his work will be “the Stradivari” of drawings, if it isn’t already.  Yury is currently a student at the Russian Academy of Painting, Sculpture and Architecture in the Mytischi district of Moscow, and apparently they’re feeding their students the right food.

Nani is a superb example of Yury’s skill.  Although just a “simple” portrait, it somehow speaks volumes to me.  Is that a tear running down her cheek? Nani looks like a woman who’s had her share of burden in life.

Although Yury unfortunately doesn’t have his own portfolio, you can find quite a bit of his work at ArtNow, a Russian art gallery site, as well as over on NoBullArt.  I for one am interested to see what this great Russian artist produces in the future.

Related posts:

1. Untitled by Antonia Franck
2. "Decomposition of Memory" and Others by Colin Harbut

Few artists are as appealing to me as Mike Giant.  His clear, crips black and white drawings and illustrations coupled with his unmistakable tattoo-art influenced visual vocabulary make him one of my all-time favorite artists.  As a matter of fact, one of his Rebel 8 T-Shirts is in the mail now for me.

How many people do you know that have a sharpie named after them?

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1. “The Gatekeeper” by Mike Sibley
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Finding illustrations like those of Matthew Woodson is why I (admittedly intermittenly) do this website.  His work seems fresh and relevant – small moments of beauty in a dreary world.  Definitely bookmark this one, and check out his blog if you get a chance.

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2. "And She Turned" by Justin Cherry
3. Drawings and Tutorials by Brian Ewing

The world of Justin Cherry is alien, vivid, and wonderful to inhabit.  Especially if you’re into character design, check this guy out or read his blog.

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2. "Love Sketch" by Matthew Woodson
3. Untitled (Nazi Daemon) by Hethe Srodawa

Although his site seems to not have been updated recently (I could be wrong), you definitely need to check out the work of Chris Legaspi.  Rarely do you find someone so diverse in talents: from fine art to cartoon, this guy has all styles on the lockdown.  Definitely sick.

More below the fold.

Himba Tribeswoman

Spidergrunt

Workshop Drawing

Related posts:

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2. Sketch by Coro36
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