To study a painting by Oleg Zhivetin is to take a symbolic journey down the path of enlightenment. Religious images and other icons such as hearts, musical instruments, books and flowers bring a cerebral yet purely aesthetic dimension to his work that continues to captivate art lovers around the world.

Born on March 18, 1964, in Uzbekistan, Oleg began painting at a young age. Through the guidance of his family he developed his technical ability and distinctive style. Even the quilts his grandparents created made an impression on the young Oleg. The intricate patterns of many of these designs are seen in his work today, often applied onto canvas in gold foil or gold leaf.

While in Russia, Oleg studied with such masters as Yuri Karilov at the Surikov Art Institute, the Soviet Union’s most prestigious art school. But when fate brought him to Laguna Beach, California, it was only a matter of time before his popularity would take hold. Collectors and critics were awed by his refreshing style using oil paint and his skillful rendering of faces, hands and feet. This is, in fact, considered one of the most beautiful and important aspects of his work. In looking at an Oleg Zhivetin one notices that the characters often communicate through hand gestures rather than through eye contact.

For Oleg Zhivetin, creating art is like uncovering the meaning of life. It’s no wonder then that he continues to move the art world with the beauty, symbolism and spirituality of his work.