Warm Soul - 100x80cm - oil and resin on canvas - 2020
Dominic Virtosu's Cactus series is a continuous visual surprise and perpetual delight for the eye and the mind. In keeping with his attraction for vivid color and complex shape, the artist once more takes us on a journey of detailed minute creation - every step of the way we hold our breath while his hand delicately weaves patterns of extreme beauty. "For this painting, I've been very interested in creating light and shadow movement around the shape of the cactus. Since I was very young I've always been fascinated with volumetric shapes that create the illusion of depth in painting. The process is very tedious as I wanted the colors to match each other and create a sense of amazement" said the artist.
what is this - 125x75cm - oil on canvas -2020
A new type of imaginative cactus that blends the softness of candy to the shapes of plastic and natural plants.
Black Cactus, 130x100cm, oil on canvas, 2020
Seen from a distance, this work represents a cactus painted with deep black and grey on a powerful red background gradient. But look closely. No, even closer than that! This is the way to get a feeling of the absolute zen-like patience that the artist was able to manifest in order to bring this project into existence. A close inspection of this work reveals that the cactus' branches are actually ornate with thousands upon thousands of little dots. The dots have multiple sizes and are also multicolored as they progress from light areas of the cactus to more shaded zones. "Through this project, I was not only testing my patience, but I wanted to reveal the temporality of the painting process." said Dominic Virtosu. High quality prints available.
Psychedelic Cactus - 100x80cm - oil on canvas with resin coating - 2020 - private collection
This work of almost photographic precision, is part of the artists' "Psychedelic Cactus" series, in which Virtosu provokes the visual cortex with eye-candied color cactus. The work is created with a lot of patience by carefully juxtaposing colors next to each-other and then mixing them with light brushstrokes. A process of almost meditative character that the artist developed especially for this series. This is an ongoing series of works, the artist is available to work on commission to produce similar works on various sizes upon request. High quality prints available.
Dot Cactus - 100x80cm oil on canvas -2020
Dominic Virtosu's Cactus series is a continuous visual surprise and perpetual delight for the eye and the mind. In keeping with his attraction for vivid color and complex shape, the artist once more takes us on a journey of detailed minute creation - every step of the way we hold our breath while his hand delicately weaves patterns of extreme beauty. "I've started this cactus painting about 6 months ago and then, when it was a quarter of the way through, I left it. It felt like something that needs a lot of time and attention to be well done, so I had just decided to take a break. One day, I came back, just sat down in front of the canvas and started painting. The process is very tedious as I wanted the colors to match each other and create a sense of amazement" said the artist.
Cactus on Red - 100x80 cm oil on canvas, 2019 private collection.
Spikes that almost sting: this is the level of realism achieved in this psychedelic cactus composition. The colors that the artist has chosen reflect a constant preoccupation for creating a bright and vivid natural universe. Cacti are a very particular species of plants: their bulky and stony aspect creates the deception of lifelessness, however, the true colors of these disguised colossally powerful specimens are revealed to the unatentive wanderer as soon as he dears touch their sharp spikes.
Cactus No 6 - 100x80cm oil on canvas, 2018 - private collection
The psychedelic cactus series is an exploration of the possible and the impossible through the lens of the cactus maker. The artist used photography as a starting step to create intricate psychedelic designs of simple and hypnotic elegance.
Cactus in Bals. 100x80cm oil on canvas 2018 private collection
On a hot summer day, looking at a cactus will transport you into a new and more exciting visual universe. This Cactus was painted on the beach in Bulgaria and then completed in the beautiful town of Bals, Romania
Cactus Three, 100x80cm, oil on canvas, 2018
This Cactus composition is part of an extended series of over 45 cactus paintings. I love to work with great vivid colors and gradients because of their incredible effects and contrasts. The cactus world inspires me - i find these plants to be surreal - descended from another dimension. These plants seem so alien to me with their weird shapes and spikes. The place they live in also is another world: the desert - a place of drought and lack of life. The theme of the cactus is not random and has more to do with the intrinsic symbolic power of the plants: a rugged plant family full of spikes that is adapted to survive the harshest of climates. Thus, these plants are built like fortresses of the desert - spikes and thick skin protect them against the arid climate and against predators. These fortresses harbor precious water - the essence of life and, in so doing, they become a real Oasis for the thirsty traveler or the lost soul limping through the desert. An oasis of physical and symbolic presence, for water is knowledge and knowing is power. This piece is part of a series of plant-paintings based on the cacti family and is based on photographs that I have taken personally while on residence in Tenerife, Spain. My fascination with the Oasis was spurred by the aridity of the volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands. Noting that this landscape has a mostly uniform color-aspect, I have made it my endeavor to bring color and modify it through re-coloring of the different cactus plants that I depicted. A range of Psychedelic-Cacti has thus been brought into existence and depicts, to some extent, the hallucination that one might see when extreme dehydration (or extreme hopelessness) kicks-in. On a more practical level, I have decided to use Oil colors because I am interested in maintaining the vibration of the color and also an aspect of "thickness" and saturation that only this technique provides.
Cactus on Electric Orange
The Cactus is king of the island plants. It reigns over hot and arid lands. It contains the vital juices of life within it's thick skin. It brings green to places where green has left. I contemplated the essential nature of the cactus as a provider of life and hope and I interpreted it into a perfect image. On an electric orange background (symbolizing the scorching heat of the desert) the plant majestically rises with it's multicolored leaves - to symbolize it's multiplicity of roles in the cycle of life. Cactus on Electric Orange (100x80cm, oil on canvas, 2017 - Private Collection) The theme of the cactus is not random and has more to do with the intrinsic symbolic power of the plants: a rugged plant family full of spikes that is adapted to survive the harshest of climates. Thus, these plants are built like fortresses of the desert - spikes and thick skin protect them against the arid climate and against predators. These fortresses harbor precious water - the essence of life and, in so doing, they become a real Oasis for the thirsty traveler or the lost soul limping through the desert. An oasis of physical and symbolic presence, for water is knowledge and knowing is power. This piece is part of a series of plant-paintings based on the cacti family and is based on photographs that I have taken personally while on residence in Tenerife, Spain. My fascination with the Oasis was spurred by the aridity of the volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands. Noting that this landscape has a mostly uniform color-aspect, I have made it my endeavor to bring color and modify it through re-coloring of the different cactus plants that I depicted. A range of Psychedelic-Cacti has thus been brought into existence and depicts, to some extent, the hallucination that one might see when extreme dehydration (or extreme hopelessness) kicks-in. On a more practical level, I have decided to use Oil colors because I am interested in maintaining the vibration of the color and also an aspect of "thickness" and saturation that only this technique provides.
Cactus on Grey Gradient
A cactus is the best inspiration with their rounded shapes - they are like beautifully shaped sculptures of nature's own design. I wanted to convey the fact that each shape is distinct from the other - that is why i colored each cactus leaf in a different and powerfully colorful gradient. Cactus on Grey Gradient (100x80cm, oil on canvas, 2017, Private Collection)
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Warm Soul - 100x80cm - oil and resin on canvas - 2020
Dominic Virtosu's Cactus series is a continuous visual surprise and perpetual delight for the eye and the mind. In keeping with his attraction for vivid color and complex shape, the artist once more takes us on a journey of detailed minute creation - every step of the way we hold our breath while his hand delicately weaves patterns of extreme beauty. "For this painting, I've been very interested in creating light and shadow movement around the shape of the cactus. Since I was very young I've always been fascinated with volumetric shapes that create the illusion of depth in painting. The process is very tedious as I wanted the colors to match each other and create a sense of amazement" said the artist.
what is this - 125x75cm - oil on canvas -2020
A new type of imaginative cactus that blends the softness of candy to the shapes of plastic and natural plants.
Black Cactus, 130x100cm, oil on canvas, 2020
Seen from a distance, this work represents a cactus painted with deep black and grey on a powerful red background gradient. But look closely. No, even closer than that! This is the way to get a feeling of the absolute zen-like patience that the artist was able to manifest in order to bring this project into existence. A close inspection of this work reveals that the cactus' branches are actually ornate with thousands upon thousands of little dots. The dots have multiple sizes and are also multicolored as they progress from light areas of the cactus to more shaded zones. "Through this project, I was not only testing my patience, but I wanted to reveal the temporality of the painting process." said Dominic Virtosu. High quality prints available.
Psychedelic Cactus - 100x80cm - oil on canvas with resin coating - 2020 - private collection
This work of almost photographic precision, is part of the artists' "Psychedelic Cactus" series, in which Virtosu provokes the visual cortex with eye-candied color cactus. The work is created with a lot of patience by carefully juxtaposing colors next to each-other and then mixing them with light brushstrokes. A process of almost meditative character that the artist developed especially for this series. This is an ongoing series of works, the artist is available to work on commission to produce similar works on various sizes upon request. High quality prints available.
Dot Cactus - 100x80cm oil on canvas -2020
Dominic Virtosu's Cactus series is a continuous visual surprise and perpetual delight for the eye and the mind. In keeping with his attraction for vivid color and complex shape, the artist once more takes us on a journey of detailed minute creation - every step of the way we hold our breath while his hand delicately weaves patterns of extreme beauty. "I've started this cactus painting about 6 months ago and then, when it was a quarter of the way through, I left it. It felt like something that needs a lot of time and attention to be well done, so I had just decided to take a break. One day, I came back, just sat down in front of the canvas and started painting. The process is very tedious as I wanted the colors to match each other and create a sense of amazement" said the artist.
Cactus on Red - 100x80 cm oil on canvas, 2019 private collection.
Spikes that almost sting: this is the level of realism achieved in this psychedelic cactus composition. The colors that the artist has chosen reflect a constant preoccupation for creating a bright and vivid natural universe. Cacti are a very particular species of plants: their bulky and stony aspect creates the deception of lifelessness, however, the true colors of these disguised colossally powerful specimens are revealed to the unatentive wanderer as soon as he dears touch their sharp spikes.
Cactus No 6 - 100x80cm oil on canvas, 2018 - private collection
The psychedelic cactus series is an exploration of the possible and the impossible through the lens of the cactus maker. The artist used photography as a starting step to create intricate psychedelic designs of simple and hypnotic elegance.
Cactus in Bals. 100x80cm oil on canvas 2018 private collection
On a hot summer day, looking at a cactus will transport you into a new and more exciting visual universe. This Cactus was painted on the beach in Bulgaria and then completed in the beautiful town of Bals, Romania
Cactus Three, 100x80cm, oil on canvas, 2018
This Cactus composition is part of an extended series of over 45 cactus paintings. I love to work with great vivid colors and gradients because of their incredible effects and contrasts. The cactus world inspires me - i find these plants to be surreal - descended from another dimension. These plants seem so alien to me with their weird shapes and spikes. The place they live in also is another world: the desert - a place of drought and lack of life. The theme of the cactus is not random and has more to do with the intrinsic symbolic power of the plants: a rugged plant family full of spikes that is adapted to survive the harshest of climates. Thus, these plants are built like fortresses of the desert - spikes and thick skin protect them against the arid climate and against predators. These fortresses harbor precious water - the essence of life and, in so doing, they become a real Oasis for the thirsty traveler or the lost soul limping through the desert. An oasis of physical and symbolic presence, for water is knowledge and knowing is power. This piece is part of a series of plant-paintings based on the cacti family and is based on photographs that I have taken personally while on residence in Tenerife, Spain. My fascination with the Oasis was spurred by the aridity of the volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands. Noting that this landscape has a mostly uniform color-aspect, I have made it my endeavor to bring color and modify it through re-coloring of the different cactus plants that I depicted. A range of Psychedelic-Cacti has thus been brought into existence and depicts, to some extent, the hallucination that one might see when extreme dehydration (or extreme hopelessness) kicks-in. On a more practical level, I have decided to use Oil colors because I am interested in maintaining the vibration of the color and also an aspect of "thickness" and saturation that only this technique provides.
Cactus on Electric Orange
The Cactus is king of the island plants. It reigns over hot and arid lands. It contains the vital juices of life within it's thick skin. It brings green to places where green has left. I contemplated the essential nature of the cactus as a provider of life and hope and I interpreted it into a perfect image. On an electric orange background (symbolizing the scorching heat of the desert) the plant majestically rises with it's multicolored leaves - to symbolize it's multiplicity of roles in the cycle of life. Cactus on Electric Orange (100x80cm, oil on canvas, 2017 - Private Collection) The theme of the cactus is not random and has more to do with the intrinsic symbolic power of the plants: a rugged plant family full of spikes that is adapted to survive the harshest of climates. Thus, these plants are built like fortresses of the desert - spikes and thick skin protect them against the arid climate and against predators. These fortresses harbor precious water - the essence of life and, in so doing, they become a real Oasis for the thirsty traveler or the lost soul limping through the desert. An oasis of physical and symbolic presence, for water is knowledge and knowing is power. This piece is part of a series of plant-paintings based on the cacti family and is based on photographs that I have taken personally while on residence in Tenerife, Spain. My fascination with the Oasis was spurred by the aridity of the volcanic landscape in the Canary Islands. Noting that this landscape has a mostly uniform color-aspect, I have made it my endeavor to bring color and modify it through re-coloring of the different cactus plants that I depicted. A range of Psychedelic-Cacti has thus been brought into existence and depicts, to some extent, the hallucination that one might see when extreme dehydration (or extreme hopelessness) kicks-in. On a more practical level, I have decided to use Oil colors because I am interested in maintaining the vibration of the color and also an aspect of "thickness" and saturation that only this technique provides.
Cactus on Grey Gradient
A cactus is the best inspiration with their rounded shapes - they are like beautifully shaped sculptures of nature's own design. I wanted to convey the fact that each shape is distinct from the other - that is why i colored each cactus leaf in a different and powerfully colorful gradient. Cactus on Grey Gradient (100x80cm, oil on canvas, 2017, Private Collection)
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image
Virtual Cactus - digital image