Olga & Aleksey Ivanov

Egg Tempera Brilliant, creative, intriguing, narrative, unique, "smokin' hot" and more…a few Collector comments “Bowls brimming with cherries. Donuts with red sprinkles. Cacti with pink blooms: these are a few of Olga and Aleksey Ivanov's favorite things. The Denver-area painters are unique for several reasons. First of all, they work in egg tempera, a timeless medium once used by the ancient Egyptians. And secondly, the couple works in tandem, creating their exquisite paintings together. Before moving from Russia to Colorado in 2002, the Ivanovs restored Russian icons. Today their works often feature what observers might call icons or symbols of modern American life: Hershey’s Kisses, bottles of Tabasco sauce, and cake boxes from Whole Foods. Small paintings by the couple can take up to a month to complete and larger figurative pieces can take up to a year. We prefer not to rush. We enjoy the entire process, from creating gesso to the final signature in red.” (Bonnie Gangelhoff, SouthWest Art magazine, 2010) Collected internationally, the charismatic work of Olga and Aleksey Ivanov (aka O&A) expresses a unique flavor, heritage, and perspective rare in contemporary art. Born in Moscow in the mid 1960s, the Ivanovs met and studied at the Moscow Academic College of Art, focusing on classical drawing, live-model painting, human anatomy, and art history – ultimately receiving degrees in oil painting. After graduation they spent five years restoring classic Russian icons, learning the ancient techniques of gilding, egg-tempera painting, and gesso making. Captivated by the painstaking and somewhat temperamental medium of egg tempera, they began creating contemporary works, integrating themes and techniques from the European Renaissance, Japanese art and modern cultural icons. Eventually, the individual artists chose to work as a team, collaborating on each painting. “It’s quite a process,” Aleksey says. “We’ve really worked out how to do it. We usually have a few paintings started, and they travel from Olga's easel to mine and back.” The subjects of their portraits and still lifes are often iconic images of modern interests or obsessions, painted in a formal but inventive, playful or ironic style, resulting in truly original works. In 2002, the Ivanovs immigrated to the U.S. choosing Colorado, with their home and studio located near Denver. Publications: American Art Collector Magazine (September 2009) cover Southwest Art Magazine (September 2010) American Art Collector Magazine (October 2011) Art Connoisseur Magazine In addition to their fine art, the Ivanovs have illustrated more than 70 children’s books, three of which have sold more than 100,000 copies. Shows: Solo Exhibit "Botanica" – October 2011, Arts at Denver Gallery, Denver, CO Contemporary Master Egg Tempera Painters – 2011, Saks Gallery, Denver, CO American Art Invitational – 2010, Saks Gallery, Denver, CO “Life of Still Life” Solo Exhibit – 2010, Arts at Denver Gallery, Denver, CO “Trompe L’Oeil” Solo Exhibit – 2009, Abend Gallery, Denver, CO Representation: Arts at Denver Gallery - Denver, Colorado

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