Nikolay Blokhin was born in 1968 in Saint Petersburg Russia, this young master has emerged as one of the most important artists of his time. He attained a solid academic foundation in art from the prestigious Repin institute in Saint Petersburg, and served as Professor of Drawing at the Institute for 16 years. His first international success came from his portraiture, receiving the Grand Prize in the "Portrait Competition" by the American Society of Portrait Artists in 2002, and Best of Show at the "International Portrait Competition" by ASOPA in 2004. Blokhin has had over 40 international pernsol exhibitions throughout his career. Influences of Rembrandt, Velazquez, Goya, Manet, Whistler, and Renoir are present throughout his work. 

Top Image: Chicago Downtown, 54.5 x 45 in, Nikolay Blokhin