here are many questions that are commonly asked regarding the artwork of Tomasz Rut. In this section, we will outline and answer questions that are asked most frequently. If you have a more specific question, we suggest that you use the “contact” section of this site.
Q. I have seen an image by Tomasz Rut in the past, can you help me find out if it is still available?
A. Please send us as much information as possible including where and when you saw it, whether it was on paper or on canvas, its size and price, and overall description of the image.
We will do everything we can to identify the piece for you and find a gallery that may have it for sale.
Due to the fact that Tomasz’s limited editions sell at a quick rate, there is a good chance that the title you are looking for may be sold out.
The good news is that we are continually working with Tomasz to choose new images for release as fine art, limited edition graphics.
Q. Do you buy originals or limited editions from private collections?
A. No we do not, we only purchase work directly from the artist.
Q. I own a piece of art by Tomasz Rut, but why don’t I see it featured on your website?
A. This is not uncommon, due to the vast history and immense body of work that the artist has created in his lifetime we have elected to keep only currently available works on display.
If you would like to see a history of many of his most acclaimed works they can be found in the extremely popular and beautifully produced Tomasz Rut Books.
Q. How much is my piece of artwork by Tomasz Rut worth?
A. There are many ways to approach the answer to this question.
The realist will tell you it is worth whatever you paid for it.
The investor will tell you to see how much the value has increased over a substantial period of time.
The true connoisseur and lover of fine art will tell you that it is priceless and is worth however much it really means to you.
Q. I need to have my art appraised for home insurance purposes, how do I go about that?
A. A good rule of thumb is that the majority of insurance companies will accept your purchase receipt at "cost" value. As your art appreciates in value, you may want to contact a local fine art appraiser who can give you an official appraisal for a nominal fee.
We do not appraise work.
Q. What is a giclee?
A. Giclee, pronounced 'jee-clay' is a French term used to describe a specialized process in which pigmented inks are applied to canvas or paper to reproduce a fine art reproduction. Highly trained technicians spend countless hours in spectrophotometry, matching color hues and textural effects of original pieces of art. Using high-resolution digital photography and scanning equipment exceeding tens of thousands of dollars, a fine art reproduction is then created picking up every nuance of the original painting.
With other print making methods available such as lithography and serigraphy, we have chosen the giclee process for Tomasz Rut's limited editions because of its superior ability to reproduce the fine details and brushstrokes in the artist's original paintings.
Q. Why did Tomasz Rut choose to create exclusive editions for Park West Gallery?
A. Tomasz Rut confidence in the impeccable standards of Park West Gallery and the integrity and international recognition of Cruise Auctions was influential in his decision to create Exclusive Park West/Tomasz Rut Editions solely for Park West Gallery auctions. A comprehensive list can be found in the "Exclusive Editions" section.
Q. How does Tomasz Rut create his paintings?
A. Most people are very intrigued with the sheer beauty and impact of Tomasz Rut's work.
His paintings are strong statements that are painted in an equally powerful process. Tomasz Rut works from live models who pose for him in the studio. He has regular photography sessions with his models and takes all his own photographs. He carefully stages poses, lighting and props for each photography session to make certain that the resulting photos will make for dynamic paintings.
Many times he will actually sketch out several poses before photographing his models so that he can predetermine the compositions he will be shooting. After developing the photos, Tomasz Rut will select several images that he would like to capture on canvas. He will then begin to paint on the canvas directly with little to no sketching actually used. Sketches on paper are usually separate works of art and are not considered by Rut to be necessary before he begins an actual painting.
The paintings are created on large pieces of canvas that are suspended on the walls of Rut's studio. He will usually work on several canvases at one time, as he uses oil paint and this allows him to work on the paintings in stages. As one piece is drying he is adding the next layer of colorant on to an adjacent piece. When the work is completely painted and Rut is satisfied with the composition and figures, he will then begin the final process of aging the painting. Through a complex yet ancient method, Tomasz Rut will begin layering a series of varnishes and other chemicals that create that "aged" or "old-world effect" he has become famous for.
Finally when the painting is complete to the satisfaction of the master, he will sign the piece with a simple "red" TR for his initials.
Q. How would you classify Tomasz Rut's place in art history?
A. Tomasz Rut is a modern master who paints in a classical "Baroque" style.
The Baroque style emerged in Rome at the turn of the 17th century and as a reaction to the artificiality of the Mannerist style. This new art was committed to genuine emotion and to the imaginatively ornamental.
Human drama became an element in Baroque paintings, typically acted out with highly expressive theatrical gestures, lit with striking chiaroscuro and featuring rich color combinations. The subject matter that Tomasz Rut paints has definitely evolved over the course of his career from his early mythic figures of centaurs and gods to contemporary men and women set in classic roles. His work is considered stylistically Baroque because of dramatic compositions, expressive subject matter and rich styling.
If you have a more specific question, we suggest that you use the “contact” section of this site to contact our support team.
