Maxim Grunin Drawing & Painting: January 2009

1/2/09

Abstract Paintings by Maxim Grunin.

Angel, 40"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Tranquil, 30"X40", oil on canvas, 2010

Calm Blue, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Cool Blue, 40"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Creamy Strawberry, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

In Gray, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Precious In Pink, 40"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Rocking Beige, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Stormy Blue, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Sunset Memory, 30"X40", oil on canvas, 2010

Try The Flavor, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010 sold

The Flavor, 30"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Warm And Cool, 40"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

Warm Interest, 40"X30", oil on canvas, 2010

1/1/09

Figurative paintings 2010

Beach Weather, 35"X54", acrylic on canvas, 2010 sold

Free, 22"X28", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Live here now, 48"X48", acrylic on canvas, 2010, sold

More Then, 24"X30", acrylic on canvas, 2009, sold

Remember Me, 48"X48", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Sea Of Fish, 40"X30", acrylic on canvas, 2010, sold

Daydream Color, 30"X40", acrylic on canvas, 2010

To The Wild, 30"X40", acrylic on canvas, 2010, sold

Want You, 30"X40", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Thinking You, Love, 30"X30", acrylic on canvas, 2010, sold

Landscape paintings 2010

Early Evening, 54"X72", acrylic on canvas, 2009, sold

Park Alley After Rain, 30"X36", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Grass In The Field, 24"X60" diptych, acrylic on canvas, 2009, sold

Sunshine, 24"X36", acrylic on canvas, 2010 sold

Sun Shines Through, 30"X40", acrylic on canvas, 2010, sold

In The Park, 24"X18", acrylic on canvas, 2009

In Spring, 30"X40", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Tall Golden, 40"X30", acrylic on canvas, 2008, sold

Woods By The Field, 30"X24", acrylic on canvas, 2010

Harbourfront Toronto, 24"X30", acrylic on canvas, 2010

In response to questions from students about creating fine art portfolio to apply to university or any other art school, I will provide a description of student portfolio. It may consist of 15-25 works created within the last couple of years prior to applying to programs in visual arts. Student portfolio determines his or her skill level in various art disciplines as well as student's area of interest.

Portfolio requirements are provided by the schools and can usually be found on university’s website. Before considering submitting an application for enrollment, students can visit that particular school’s open house in order to be firm about their choice. School’s requirements often change and vary. Students should inquire about the open house dates, programs description, academic and portfolio requirements in order to prepare for application submission.

Here is an overview of areas of art studies offered by post secondary schools in North America: Drawing and Painting, Design, Animation, Integrated Media (film, photography, audio, performance and more), Sculpture, Printmaking, Curatorial Studies, Art Theory and History.

Some schools clearly outline what is expected from applicants regarding their portfolios. For example, Sheridan College School of Animation will provide a list of specific skills and number of projects to be completed by the candidates. Other schools only specify the dimensions and the number of works necessary for evaluation. Highly sought after programs with specific portfolio requirements demand certain degree of skill proficiency. Students are expected to already have some education in fine art, for example, Life Drawing courses must be taken in order to complete required Figure Drawing projects. In general, when entering undergraduate programs, students have to demonstrate broad range of interest in visual art and present works that best describe their ability.

Applicant’s portfolio does not have to cover every area of fine art. Students come with different backgrounds in art education. Some will have variety of skills obtained from High School Art Programs and others will be more focused, for example, on photography or Flash Animation. However, there are recommended portfolio components that the judges will consider valuable. Candidates with strong drawing skills gain a considerable edge, which is why 2-3 sketchbooks must be included in student’s portfolio. Taking classes proves very useful. Students who learn from professional artists are often able to demonstrate higher levels of skill proficiency then those who rely on High School courses or on no courses at all. Candidates who invested in extra curricular art education gain invaluable training, experience and mentor-ship that contributes to their over all success when it comes to acceptance in post secondary programs.