Page 50 - Art-Professionals

RYSZARD MIŁEK

Lives and works in Nowy Sacz, Poland
www.ryszardmilek.com

Pastel is the New Paint
On first glance the works of Polish artist Richard Milek completed using oil pastels, rather than oil paint. Milek’s
appear to be some of the most accomplished oil paintings in work ranges from graphic abstracts, to vivid cityscapes
the contemporary canon. As a result Milek has been held to and sensuous figurative pieces, all of which are truly a
critical acclaim for many years, as the top pastellist in Poland feast for the eyes.

since 1997 and vice-president of the Polish Pastel-Drawings Whilst Milek’s incredible skill in the handling of his
Artist Association. Milek has also gained international uncommon medium produces works of the intensity and
recognition, participating in over 250 exhibitions across prestige of oil painting, his choice of pastel is not incidental
Europe and the USA, including the 2013 London and as it allows him to create even more nuanced effects
Chianciano Biennales in which he was awarded prizes. As beyond the scope of even the most advanced painters.
an artist with great success on the market, Milek’s works Milek’s brilliant talent for infusing his work with astounding
are held in collections in New York, Paris, Austria, Poland, depth, and adept handling of light comes from his technique
and London - to name but a few - typically at around £6,000. of underplaying a soft base in black and white. This base
Milek’s work ranges from graphic abstracts, to vivid creates the delicate tones of the work whilst not inhibiting

cityscapes and sensuous figurative pieces, all of which are the vibrancy of the abstract colors placed on top. Thus the
truly a feast for the eyes. However, Milek’s work contains eye is drawn deeper to find a way through the color to the
an even deeper genius as his ‘paintings’ are actually tonal genius underneath.
(Helen McFarlane)
Biography
He lives and works in Nowy Sacz. He has presented his of America, NY. He cooperates. He has organised and
art at more than 85 individual shows and participated in participated in numerous plein-air meetings in Poland
more than 140 collective exhibitions in Poland, Europe and abroad. He was a curator of a famous exhibition

and the USA. He is a member of the Polish Pastel of Józef Czapski’s works held at BWA (Art Exhibition
Association, a member of the Union of Polish Artists and Office) in Nowy Sacz (1991) as well as shows of Nejad
Designers and an honorary member of the Pastel Society - a prominent Turkish abstract artist. His numerous

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