Artist Profile: Romas Brandt

Biography

Romas graduated with honors from Paier College of Art in New Haven, Connecticut in 1978. Directly after graduation, he went immediately to work for many book and magazine publishers and advertising agencies in New York City. Romas has illustrated a variety of subjects for such diverse clients as TV Guide, Readers Digest, Red Herring, Omni, Union Carbide, Seagrams, Hasbro, The Bradford Exchange, The Danbury Mint and many more. Romas has been featured in Science Fiction Age and Advertising Age magazine and on the Central Connecticut State University "Pioneers" television series featured on Connecticut PBS.

Romas has exhibited his paintings in numerous one-man shows throughout New England. His work has also been featured at the Society of Illustrators and the Atrium Gallery in New York City, The University of Maryland, The Museum of American Art in Connecticut, The Brandywine Fantasy Gallery in Chicago, Central Connecticut State University, and The Sharon Arts Center. He has been a participant in art conventions where he has consistently won numerous awards, including the 1991 World Fantasy Award. In 2004 he won a bronze medal at the Illustration West 36 competition in Los Angeles. He is represented by several agents in charge of second rights printing of his paintings throughout Europe and Russia.

After creating monumental and heroic figures in his book cover art for more than 25 years, he has transitioned to portraiture and fine art - his main passion. His aim is to bring a larger-than-life feeling to his new commissions. He painted U.S. Representative Charles F. Bass in 2004 and Governor Craig R. Benson in 2005.

He is currently working on a number of portrait commissions including the four daughters of Mr. and Mrs. Robert Kasper of Walpole, NH. His latest is of 1st Lieutenant Demere Kasper, currently stationed in Iraq. In 2007 he will paint retired USN JAG Captain Robert Kasper and his wife.

His fine art series titled "Figures and Flowers" is enjoying a growing and loyal following.

He also won second place for oil painting at the "Art in Ashuelot Park" Keene, NH 2005. Exhibited in the 2006 New England Exhibition, June 15 - July 17, 2006.

Artist Statement

CREATIVE PROCESS
At this stage in my career I want to focus on simple, elegant, accessible images. In my fine art I'm using young women as models in natural settings or young women with flowers. Because of the affection I have for my wife and daughter these paintings are an expression of my respect and admiration for women. From this foundation comes a wellspring of images and ideas I want and need to paint. The first human characteristics I want to personify in my work are innocence and fidelity while maintaining a traditional, classical manner. As I watched my daughter grow from a cute child into a young woman, a few of those abstract and ephemeral images artists have swirling in their minds coalesced into future projects.

HOW I DEVELOP AND CREATE A PIECE
I first create small pencil sketches of an idea. I then either paint a small study or photograph models and reference and then paint the study. When satisfied, I enlarge the sketch to a final canvas with a projector and use simple pencil indications for proportion only. This procedure still demands plenty of drawing on the finish. With regard to portraiture, I have had some cases where time limits allowed for some photography and a quick color sketch from life. In one instance, I used photography only. In all my portraits I use proportional adjustments to first bring a bit of a monumental feeling to the figure, and second, to avoid a literal copy of a photograph.

ARTISTIC GOALS
I'm enjoying one of my goals now as a portrait painter and fine artist. I knew I needed to do a great deal of work and self study to reach the high level I had set for myself. I entered the commercial art world in New York City because I wanted to compete against the best in my field and challenge myself. I set the very same high standard for the new direction my work has taken. I live by one of the most important axioms I remember from art school - "Don't look at what's right with your painting - look at what's wrong".

MOST SIGNIFICANT ARTISTIC ACCOMPLISHMENT
I treasure my ability to draw and paint the figure.

WHY DO YOU CREATE ART
I did not choose art. Art chose me. I realize that my ability is a gift from God. My responsibility is to develop, nurture, and continually improve upon this gift from one experience to the next, impossibly seeking perfection.

Portrait Terms and Conditions

Romas has painted portraits of Congressman Charles F. Bass, Governor Craig Benson, First Lieutenant (now Captain) Demere Kasper, as well as many private clients who recognize his skill at capturing the likeness and essence of the subject in a way which will not only become an heirloom, but can stand alone as a work of art.

The Process:

Romas will travel to the client's home for the initial meeting where he will make pencil sketches and take reference photographs of the subject to be painted. He will then return to his studio to create sketches determining pose, mood, clothing, lighting, etc. At a second meeting, the sketches will be presented to the client for approval and the final composition will be chosen. At this meeting, further detailed photographs will be taken and color studies from life will be made. This will take approximately 4 - 5 hours. The painting will be created in the artist's studio and will be delivered upon completion to the client on an agreed upon date. At delivery, final adjustments can be made if necessary.

Financial Terms:

50% of the fee is due at the conclusion of the first meeting. The balance is due upon delivery to the client.

Travel, lodging, framing and shipping expenses if applicable are extra.

Prices are for a single figure. A 15% discount will be granted for each additional figure on the same canvas. Complex elements, backgrounds or animals are extra.

Head and Shoulders Child: $5,000 Adult: $5,500

Half Figure with Hands Child: $6,000 Adult: $7,000

Three Quarter Figure Child: $7,500 Adult: $8,500

Full Figure Child: $9,000 Adult: $10,500

Please contact the gallery if you are interested in pursuing a commissioned portrait by Romas Brandt, and we will make arrangements for the artist to contact you.