Branko Marjanovic

Branko Marjanovic‘s Art Journey

Born in the former Republic of Yugoslavia in 1960, Branko was drawn to creative pursuits, even as a young boy. At the age of 14, he began exploring art as a form of self-expression and vividly recalls, As a self-thought artist, “I started with a brush, a vision, and an unshakable determination to achieve my dreams. I slowly began teaching myself how to paint, and mostly painting the mountain landscapes. I was always drawn to their energy, their beauty and the perspective they bring”.

Branko dreamt of living near the Rocky Mountains, and that came to life in 1999 when we moved to Calgary, Alberta!”

With an artistic career spanning more than four decades, Branko has created a distinct palette and style that is recognized and applauded by a wide community of collectors and artists, alike. In the early days, he experimented with oils and watercolors, but the past 18 years have seen a shift to acrylics. Yet, even as his technique continues to evolve, the originality from those earliest years as an artist is still present. Today, signature works by Branko Marjanovic hold pride of place in private collections throughout North America and are exhibited in various galleries in Western and Eastern Canada.

According to Branko, “The main decision that has shaped my journey is: Values. I value a strong work ethic rooted in integrity. I also value a balance of structure and “let go and let it flow.” Branko has never been afraid of a challenge and admire the same in others. “Although, I have done many commissions, I prefer to be surprised by unexpected inspiration in life.”

My art appears to be the very essence of the great Canadian outdoors. The Arabella Magazine author once stated: “You can almost smell the heady scent of pines stretching skyward. Feel the combined chill and heat from snow-tinged mountaintops awash in sunbeams. Each piece evocative in its own expression… scenes so strikingly vivid as to capture the heart and offer a glimpse into the artist’s personal passion for his adopted country and its quintessential landscape”.

Fascinated by the effect of light and shade found in nature, Branko takes reference photographs and does sketches of the subject matter before painting – admittedly, preferring a good pencil sketch over a photo. The black and white images are used to look into the values of a subject, which then become the focal point. I have always believed that art should not be a copy of the photographic image but rather the mood and impression of the subject.

A famous artist once told me that if you want to be a very good acrylic artist you need to master the use of watercolors. In the beginning I used watercolors, where I learned how to capture both light and shade elements of each art subject. My favourite element in painting is the use of color to enhance focal elements. I start from the focal point and work outwardly until the canvas is covered. Once the painting is near completion, I re-strengthen the focal point elements. A favourite technique is putting whitest white beside darkest dark and allowing the painting to direct light back.

I have always insisted in three elements of my development: “Be bold. Be fearless. Be unique. Sharp and free brush strokes and an imagination are all of what you need.
The Canadian Rockies hold a special place in my heart… “the way the colour dances on the mountain slopes.”
Being surround by such beautiful nature painting appears not to be that hard. Banko has always said: “Painting should not be heavy work, but rather an inspirational journey that manifests into artwork.”

In conclusion I have always believed into the following of which I used regularly as the artist statement:
“Painting is not work to me – it is something I become absorbed in. I am fascinated by the effect of the light and shade found in nature. Although I take photographs and sketches of the subject matter I paint, I do not allow them to control me.

Art should not be a copy of a photographic image but the mood and impression of the subject. In this regard, I prefer a good pencil sketch as I find that it captures the basic elements and provides better composition than a photograph.” I am living the dream!