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Fantasy paintings by Ricardo Fernandez Ortega

There's a magical quality to the work of Ricardo Fernandez Ortega.

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A figure with flowing red and white fabric flies through dramatic clouds above a vast desert landscape in Ricardo Fernandez Ortega's surreal painting

An artist from Mexico, his paintings are a mix of contemporary and surrealism that seem to channel baroque style, following proudly in the footsteps of Bosch or Velazquez.

Rich with dark hues and expert interpretation of light, movement, gesture, and emotion – his modern work reflects an appreciation of history both in technique and context while giving a respectful nod to the art that has existed for hundreds of years.

Represented by Meyer Gallery, which says: "His intuitive ways of using lights and darks, takes us to a mysterious, sometimes surreal space, where women wear elegant armour, extravagant headdresses and exist in empty terrains while participating in strange, but fantastical and dream-like activities."

Reclining nude figure with pale skin against a dark, atmospheric background featuring architectural elements and surreal imagery in muted earth tones
Woman with dark wavy hair wearing white patterned armour and red skirt, with three grey pigeons perched on her head against a dark background
A woman with dark hair gazes downward as three pigeons perch on her head against a dark background in this surrealist painting by Ricardo Fernandez Ortega
Winged female figure in white fabric sitting in a wooden boat suspended above rocky terrain amid dramatic cloudy skies
A figure in elaborate medieval-inspired costume with ornate headdress, metal collar and decorative armour holds a small wooden object, rendered in dark tones with baroque lighting
A woman with an elaborate feathered headdress flies through storm clouds with outstretched arms in this surreal painting by Ricardo Fernandez Ortega
Woman's legs draped in sheer white fabric with small mechanical insect sculptures crawling across dark leather boots
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