A Passionist

For nude portraits, the Russian born artist Jury Frantsuzov is definitely worth checking out. His complex talents are enhanced by his painting technique and style. He has an incredible ability to create modern nude renderings however; he stays true to the softer light. Frantsuzov’s nudes are not grossly, over painted portraits. Moreover, his varying works of art are actually often, better appreciated for his applied personal style. The embossed hues, mixed together offset the more predominant, vivid sheens, commonly seen when artist’s use oil based paints. It his most common, defining factor detailed within his paintings.

Like Leonid Afremov, Jury enjoys a free-spirited color palette. His paintings have a tendency to draw the viewing audience inwards. One can find him or herself imagining what it would be like, to be at the mercy of such a great artist. Would he be so kind with his bold use of color around the nipples, breast, hips, and buttocks? Rather, would it be that his usually bold color palette is softly featured around those troubling areas? Will the outcome be a mixture of bold reflecting colors, inlay through out the backdrop? Most importantly, will he paint your body to be as subdued as these renderings featured? Will you too look like you are poised, and gifted with oil fragranced softness? As seen in the first nude featured here. What is cherished about this particular piece, is its ability to reach out to the audience in spite of the many glossing red colors. The color red often means stop to the unconscious mind. However, in the case of this portrait, the red enhances and embellishes her position in a tranquil manner. It is visible to see this when the viewer stops to stare at the woman featured, lying on the couch, outlined by her blackish color hair. It is obvious to notice that the nudist’s back slightly arches outward; towards the audience, as if she is resting before getting dressed for a long nights work. Her body tells the story of her age. Someone only has to focus on the long, lean stride of her back and her skin tone. Jury captivates his cliental with his delicate, precise details of her marvelous maturity. If not to entice the audience’s hunger for more, it can be rather charming how he seeks absolute accurateness and truth, by allowing a particular woman's body to unfold. What is quite noticeable here, that none of these painted women were not tortured by starvation and despair. Just look at healthy these models arms, thighs, shoulders and well-rounded bums were painted with such diligent care.

In this portrait, Jury's whole embodiment of a haphazardly, bold stark technique truly captivates the audience. His experience shines through the slighted, careful detailing this woman's body-lines. He is cautious not to over exaggerate each detail. He allows the colors to bleed together to form the angles and shapes needed. Her feet, are the perfect example of his blending style. This distinctive manner happens to be my favorite.

Again, his approach to the painting is deliberate. But on the other hand, involuntarily addressing her various body features. Look at the soft cup between her arm and back. It is perfectly detailed to ensure that she hasn't been cheated by the artist or worse misrepresented. Van Gogh had this gift. It is when the artist accurately paints, the reflecting perception to what the eyes were seeing, to canvas. They tell no lies. With the boldness of color used, no injustice can occur either. I admire an artist who is not intimidated by their gifted talent. Often in the world of art, the human body is over formed and unrealistically drawn. The artist will use cool, soft hues to hide their rigid errors.  Leaving nothing more than a lifeless mannequin to live out eternity on a stretched out cotton canvas.

The nude portrait, "Dance" was painted in 2002

Frantsuzov was born in 1946. In 1961 he attended the School of Arts in Alma-Ata, Kazahstan. After graduating Jury worked as an artist, producer of frescos and advertisements in Leningrad. From 1973 to 1979 he as a fairly young man and poised student of the prestigious Academy of Arts Institute. Upon his graduation, Jury painted "Tailoring" in 1979. His large collection of art and his unique artist penmanship can be found in Museums and Academies through the region of Peter the Great's, St. Petersburg.

I found this quote from the artist on the Elite Contemporary Arts online web shop. I thought you might enjoy a word or two from this magnificent artist.

''As for the artist my pedagogical experience was very important and interesting for me. I have dedicated more than 25 years of my life working with children of different ages. I worked at the following schools of art: Serov, Pedagogical Hertzen Institute and Mukhin Institute. All those schools are located in St. Petersburg. My conception is: every person is born talented and unique. But to open the individuality of every single child we shouldn't forget the individual development of each student. So, by growing artistic skills of a child we increase the sense of beauty in his soul. My goal is to help young generation to reach their aims, to find the way in life, to discover themselves without suppression of individuality. Many of my students, were able to pass their exams successfully in Russia, in Germany and in other countries. Some of them became artists, architects, graphic designers, etc. I wish they are successful!''

Other Russian Artist of Interest:

Many Russian artists are virtually unknown to us. Their magical touches are lost to the Western world. It is hard to purchase paintings from artist such as Elena Lee, Leonid Afremov, Alexey Bazanov, and Mikhail Nesterove.