Swedish artist Ralf Arzt was born in Stockholm 1963. He studied painting in France 1996-1997 under Beaux Art teacher Christian Geai in Nice. His focus and aim was to learn layer by layer master painting skills and glazing techniques.
Ever since then his main ambition has been to create a contemporary realistic fine art painting at the highest standard and with the traditions and qualities of the old masters.
He has since then participated in a large number of joint exhibitions at prestigious art galleries world wide. He has until today held nearly 20 solo exhibitions at renowned fine art galleries.
Ralf Arzt is a unique talent who is dedicated to painting contemporary masterpieces.
“For me art is a thing of beauty, but pure aesthetics is not the driving force behind my work. It is all about capturing the soul, charisma and mysticism in a given moment of a fleeting situation and being able to relate this emotion to others. The constant seeking for my own mode of expression is what drives me when I create.
My art is greatly inspired by modern photo art. Expression-wise I am in the borderland between painting and photography. In my painting I aim to create a feeling of modern photo art, thus combining the best of both worlds. The photo´s ability to capture the soul and charisma of a fleeting moment; the painting with its surface, finish and exclusive feel that the photo could never hope to reproduce.
To achieve this I have adapted my techniques more towards photographic expression than painted art. This allows me to erase the borders between the photographic and painted art modes of expression. I use a technically advanced and time-consuming layer by layer technique, building up my painting in many thin layers with no traces of brushwork. I also use techniques like schumring and glaze painting to enhance the impression of photo art in my paintings.
My aim is to create contemporary, realistic painting that belongs in the here and now.”
