The practice of drawing the nude from life is one of the fundamental cornerstones of art. It simultaneously keeps the artist’s eye sharp and helps to continually develop his visual language. There are other paths to creative expression in the visual arts, but in regards to realism, working from life is so critical that many artists continue the practice of figure drawing for the rest of their lives. It offers the freedom to openly explore new ideas while also adding to an artist’s technique.

On this site, artist Dorian Vallejo displays a selection of his figure drawings and offers Giclée prints on acid-free archival quality paper for purchase. Although the focus of this collection is of nude or partially nude figures, drawings of fully clothed models are available as well. The larger sizes increasingly reveal the unique techniques that are used to create the drawings, displaying an exciting array of abstract lines, bold scribbles and splashes of color. In some cases, the drawings almost appear abstract. Although these fine art nudes come from a tradition of classical drawing where accuracy is of paramount importance, the point here is not a strict adherence to photographic accuracy but rather the use of the nude as a creative point of departure. It is from these roots and this philosophical intent that Dorian engages his figure drawings. In these rapid studies, he creates art that demonstrates his relationship and connection between the past and the present.

This is the melting pot of mixed interests and ideas where everything begins as an expression in its elemental state. Ideas for future paintings, explorations in technique and experiments with different media all begin to emerge in the research laboratory that is a session working from life.

Born in New York City on March 1, 1968, Dorian Vallejo's passion for drawing came at an early age. Inspired by his father, the fantasy artist and illustrator Boris Vallejo, Dorian had pencil in hand by the age of three and was working as a professional illustrator before reaching college age, regularly producing covers for Marvel Comics and numerous paperback novels. Today, he is one of the most accomplished and versatile portrait painters in the United States, creating everything from traditional commissioned oil portraits and sketches to pencil drawings and intimate life portraits.

Dorian attended Parsons and received his BFA in Illustration from the School of Visual Arts in Manhattan where he studied with Steven Assael, Max Ginsburg and Irwin Greenberg. He also spent considerable time in Europe studying the works of the great masters. Before becoming a full-time portrait painter, Dorian considered different areas of specialization but was deterred by the growing influence of computers in the art world. Realizing he would always be more comfortable with a palette of oil paints and a north-facing studio, Dorian completes many of his paintings and drawings from life, capturing the essence and energy of his subjects in a personal sitting. When time or distance makes this impossible, however, Dorian will photograph his subjects, using a life-sized enlargement as the basis for the portrait. Dorian's commissions range from the scions of industry to average citizens.

In addition to formal oil paintings, Dorian has also worked to make the art of the portrait accessible to people everywhere. Although traditional oil portraits begin at $11,000, a full-color oil sketch, which is painted from life during a four to six-hour sitting, is priced at $2,000. Dorian also offers pencil, charcoal and sepia sketches, and paints either on location or at his New Jersey studio. He has also recently introduced intimate life portraits for women who wish to commission a nude for themselves or a significant other. Dorian, his wife, the painter Liana Vallejo and their son, Dimitri, make their home in Upper Montclair, New Jersey. For additional information, visit www.DoriansPortraits.com.

Subtle and beautiful, the intimate life portrait is an extraordinary gift for birthdays, weddings, anniversaries and other milestone celebrations. It is a rendered from life, either in studio or on location.

The utmost care and consideration is given to the subject’s comfort and security. After selecting from one of a dozen or more quick sketches, the subject’s portrait is rendered in charcoal, pencil, sepia and/or paint. The typical drawing is accomplished in approximately three hours.

Costs for unframed intimate life portraits are as follows:

8-1/2” x 11”: $1,000
14” x 17”: $1,500

Prices for larger-sized drawings are available upon request, as are travel costs for assignments on location.

Each commission comes with the artist’s guarantee of satisfaction.