The
man whose first name means "surprise" in his native language
delivers that element in his paintings of tranquil landscapes,
crashing coastlines, peaceful symphonies and energetic jazz
bands. Collectors of all ages and of varied lifestyles
find something in the diverse repertoire of Nenad Mirkovich
to delight the senses. He delights himself with the reactions
of viewers when they discover that the same talented artist
painted all these scenes.
Mirkovich
says the varied subject matter and styles he uses in his
work are not so different as they first seem, however. His
paintings comprise juxtapositions of opposites-high drama
with peaceful beauty, darkness and shadow with light and
sunshine, movement with quiet. In a face or in a landscape,
the elements that provide the surprise are much the same.
Born in Belgrade, Mirkovich, now 51, has made his home in
Houston, Texas, since 1985. He began painting and drawing
as a young child, and his background as a portrait painter
and magazine illustrator in Yugoslavia helped him to develop
his varied styles, says his wife Donna.
His passions-besides painting-are fishing and cooking. He
owns more than 150 fishing rods, makes his own lures and
"can sit in a boat for hours and hours, pulling out fish,"
Donna says. He also is a gourmet cook, and has developed
a favorite dish he calls "Nenad Chicken."
A fourth passion is music, which Mirkovich often combines
with his art. Working mostly at night, Mirkovich paints
with music playing in the background, usually jazz or classical
pieces. Often, also, there is music on his canvas; musicians
and musical groups are favorite themes. One of a recently
completed series featuring jazz groups, painted in an impressionist
style, is titled "In the Mood." The piece has both high
energy and high drama, and will appeal to both beginning
collectors and music enthusiasts.
"In the Mood" has become Mirkovich's first limited edition
MasterGraphics on Canvas from Somerset House Publishing.
The image is 21" x 35" and the edition has 495 signed and
numbered pieces. |
