Born in 1958 in what was then the Soviet Republic of Uzbekistan, pastel artist Sergei Oussik has lived most of his life in St. Petersburg which is the subject of many of his plein air landscape paintings.

Sergei studied both art and architecture at the Institute of Engineers of Construction in St Petersburg. But, after five years as an architect, he opted to pursue a career as an artist saying "the architect is not free, but the artist is. He can create what he wants. The architect works with his head, but the artist with his heart."

Today his studio is part of the archipelago of St Petersburg. His pastels depict the decaying splendour of the city’s buildings as well as the light, water and forests of the surrounding countryside. Sergei says of an artist’s personal progression, “The artist must not love his own work too long. It isn’t reasonable. He grows up (matures) with each piece. In the same way, his attitude towards his work changes.”

 

Like many, Sergei began his art career by selling works on the streets of St. Petersburg, but has since achieved an international reputation as a formidable landscape artist of great sensitivity.

His work has been shown in numerous solo and group exhibitions in Russia, England, France, Belgium, Holland, Greece, Switzerland, Germany and Mexico. Sergei’s first American showing was at a gallery in Portland, Oregon with work recently shown in New York City.

He is a member of the Russian Union of Artists, the International Federation of Artists, the Pastel Society of France and International Association of Pastel Society. He is a signature member of the Pastel Society of America and a leader of the St. Petersburg Society. His work has appeared in exhibits all over the world, from Paris to Athens.

 

With the first edition of his book titled "Pastel Plein Air" selling out so quickly, the printing of the second edition is now completed.

 

The arrival of Sergei's work has been much anticipated at Galerie Gabrie. We look forward to helping you familiarize yoruself with the work of this talented artist.