David Andrew Nishita Cheifetz was born in 1981 and has become an internationally acclaimed and collected artist. He continues to push the limits of contemporary realist oil painting. His work is known for its dark, hyper-realistic tableaux that suggest bizarre and intriguing narratives.
He paints alla prima, which means wet-on-wet, an oil painting technique where wet paint is applied to previous layers of wet paint. He works without detailed under-painting or studies, creating atmosphere through prominent, expressive brushstrokes and strong chiaroscuro. His technique requires confidence and spontaneity.
His work reflects the language of dreams, drawing viewers into mysterious and captivating scenes. The strong contrast between light and dark adds drama and depth to his compositions. His paintings are both technically impressive and emotionally evocative.
“Reflecting the language of dreams, these dark, hyper-realistic tableaux suggest bizarre and intriguing narratives.”
He studied at the Schuler School of Fine Arts from 2007 to 2010 and attended the University of Washington’s College of Architecture from 1999 to 2004. His education gave him a strong foundation in classical techniques. He is represented by Gallery 1261 and RS Hanna Gallery.
His work has been featured on Artsy.net and he has a strong presence on Instagram. He continues to explore the boundaries of realism in his all prima paintings. His unique approach to oil painting sets him apart in the contemporary art world.
Q: What defines David Cheifetz’s artistic style?
A: His use of the alla prima technique, working wet-on-wet without detailed under-painting. His dark, hyper-realistic tableaux feature strong chiaroscuro and expressive brushstrokes, creating atmoshpere and suggesting intriguing narratives. He pushes the limits of contemporary realist oil painting.