Portraits and Figures

The artist has leaned into figure painting over the years, striving to gain ever increasing levels of detail with an economy of brush strokes. He especially excels at clothing, seeking to capture the folds of cloth and the differences in texture and pattern. Furthermore, he tries to capture their personalities and expressions, while downplaying bits for which they would be less proud. This attention to detail has led to several commissions over the years, from patrons whom he has met through his daily interactions.

Bob Ross in the Styles of Famous Artists

In this study series, the artist attempted to paint portraits of famous television painter Bob Ross in the styles of different artists. Selecting artists who influenced the artist personally, he chose the styles of Gustav Klimt, Vincent Van Gogh, Alphonse Mucha, and Bridgit Riley. He reserves the right to add to this series in the future.

Self Portrait with Vlad the Impaler (12-in x 12-in)

Reflecting one of life’s lighter moments, Artist Jacob Mazurek’s piece, *Self Portrait with Vlad the Impaler (12-in x 12-in)*, captures his Halloween visit to Dracula’s Castle in Bran, Romania, where he humorously dons a garlic garland surrounded by vampire characters. Painted in a vibrant, cartoonish style, this playful self-portrait showcases Mazurek’s unique ability to blend photorealism with spirited storytelling, inviting viewers into a vivid and unforgettable scene.

Bulgarian Presidential Palace Guard (12-in x 12-in)

Artist Jacob Mazurek’s recent work, *Bulgarian Presidential Palace Guard (12-in x 12-in)*, is a photorealistic portrayal based on a photograph of the changing of the guard ceremony at the Bulgarian presidential palace. Drawing from his daily encounters with these guardsmen during his time living in Bulgaria, Mazurek captures them as individuals navigating the often uncomfortable and impersonal roles they are assigned, reflecting his commitment to revealing the human story behind formal traditions.

Boomer of the Mine Sweeps (12-in x 12-in)

Artist Jacob Mazurek’s latest project, *Boomer of the Mine Sweeps* (12-in x 12-in), captures a poignant portrait of a sailor on his last day of active duty in the U.S. Navy, depicted riding in a RHIB boat to his awaiting ship with exceptional photorealistic detail that reveals more depth than the original photograph. This piece exemplifies Mazurek’s commitment to capturing life through photorealism by highlighting subtle textures and emotions often overlooked at first glance.

WTC Peter Tomich, MOH (12-in x 16-in)

Artist Jacob Mazurek proudly presents the WTC Peter Tomich, MOH project—a striking 12"x16" photorealistic portrait commissioned by Class 180 of the Navy Senior Enlisted Academy to honor WWII Chief Watertender Peter Tomich, Medal of Honor recipient at Pearl Harbor. Drawing from only two grainy black-and-white photos, Jacob meticulously researched and applied thoughtful color choices to bring this heroic sailor’s legacy vividly to life. This painting hangs at Tomich Hall at Naval Station Newport, RI.

Selfie on the Top of the Rock (24-in x 24-in)

Artist Jacob Mazurek’s latest photorealistic masterpiece, *Selfie on the Top of the Rock (24-in x 24-in)*, transforms a casual selfie taken atop NYC’s Rockefeller Center into a vibrant narrative full of personality—highlighted by a thoughtfully added ponytail, a winking eye, and intricate details such as the bustling cityscape below, the ornate Thai shirt, and a passerby reflected in the coin-operated binoculars. This project perfectly showcases Mazurek’s passion for capturing life’s vivid moments with remarkable precision and creative flair.