Nenad Mirkovich

Nenad Mirkovich

The man whose first name means "surprise" in his native language delivers that element in his paintings of tranquil landscapes, crashing coastlines, peaceful symphonies and energetic jazz bands. Collectors of all ages and of varied lifestyles find something in the diverse repertoire of Nenad Mirkovich to delight the senses.

Mirkovich says the varied subject matter and styles he uses in his work are not so different as they first seem, however. His paintings comprise juxtapositions of opposites—high drama with peaceful beauty, darkness and shadow with light and sunshine, movement with quiet. In a face or in a landscape, the elements that provide the surprise are much the same.

Born in Belgrade, Mirkovich, now 51, has made his home in Houston, Texas, since 1985. He began painting and drawing as a young child, and his background as a portrait painter and magazine illustrator in Yugoslavia helped him to develop his varied styles, says his wife Donna.

His passions—besides painting—are fishing and cooking. He owns more than 150 fishing rods, makes his own lures and "can sit in a boat for hours and hours, pulling out fish," Donna says. He also is a gourmet cook, and has developed a favorite dish he calls "Nenad Chicken."

A fourth passion is music, which Mirkovich often combines with his art. Working mostly at night, Mirkovich paints with music playing in the background, usually jazz or classical pieces. Often, also, there is music on his canvas; musicians and musical groups are favorite themes. One of a recently completed series featuring jazz groups, painted in an impressionist style, is titled "In the Mood." The piece has both high energy and high drama, and will appeal to both beginning collectors and music enthusiasts.