Zahradka Art and Illustration

Painted using hand ground pigments similar to those of the early 1800's. This is a genre painting exploring the idea that all things come to an end and death is the final result of life.

This original artwork (" high x " wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Painted in hand ground pigments same as those used in the early1800's

Oil on canvas. This painting was requested by the husband after the death of his wife and her many years of Alzheimers. The children then requested he be included as well. We worked from old photos taken when they were both younger. The background was the view on the small lake where they had a cabin.

A painting of Suzy created to be a match to my own self portrait. meant to be hung as a set. Again we have created the look of the time period with the subject having the tools of their trade around them. Painting is on linen canvas using hand ground and mixed paints of the time period.

Portrait for for the Dyna-Graphics corporation in Chaska Minnesota. The paining is of the husband and wife who founded the company, Bill and Dolly Bury and was created for the reception area.

This is a painting I did of myself in the style of the 18th century artists, shown with my brushes and palette in hand. The painting is done on linen canvas using only hand ground and mixed pigments from the time period.

A portrait of a British Rifleman from around 1812. The painting is done on board using hand ground oil paints made only from pigments available at the time.

This original artwork (24" high x 18" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

This painting is second in a series using decorative shawls. It has been created using all hand ground natural pigments that existed in the 17th century. I hand mulled them myself as well as creating my own paint mediums.

Created the design concept for a Homebuilt RV3. The challenge was to create a Flying Dragon (Leonopteryx) from the movie Avatar. The final paint was done by a profesional aviation painter.

A commissioned portrait created using an existing photo. Dress and background were changed to create a more historical feel.

A portrait created using an older off color photo. Shirt extended and added to. Background changed to be more aesthetic.

A commissioned portrait. For this portrait we were able to have a photo session with the client. We worked to create a more traditional classic look.

Commissioned portrait of Louise Hose, PhD - Renowned Cave Explorer and Speleologist. Created using several older photos, equipment and location shots.

This is a family portrait of Senseis Joel and Anita with their daughter Megan. The painting was created using oils on canvas. I created it using photos provided by the client.

A Painting we created using our daughter Gemma as the model. Suzy made the blue arming doublet she wore and Arms and Armor created the armor and sword. The background is a tapestry the colors of red and gold suggesting flames. This painting is unique in that it is done entirely with pigments and oils that could have been used during the 1500's. We have been studying and working with old techniques. We now give demonstrations to school groups on the Craft of Painting.

This original artwork (28" high x 16" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Portrait of a trader and huckster from a local show.

This original artwork (20" high x 14" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

A surreal family portrait. Based on images taken in a photo booth at a carnival.

Commissioned portrait of couple at son's wedding.

Commissioned portrait done in old west attire. Wanted to create a vintage feel of the old west.

Portrait painted in oils of "Godiva." Godiva is an award winning Dressage horse owned by Janna Kysilko. Created using a photo session at the stable and adding in the background.

Commissioned portrait of Paul F. Dye. Current Lead Flight Director of NASA. Shown with his homebuilt airplane "Valkyrie".

Commissioned portrait created by using an existing black and white photo of the subject taken 20 years earlier.

A Revolutionary War soldier takes aim with his Brown Bess Musket.

This original artwork (16" high x 46" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Portrait of Charles Darwin.

This original artwork (20" high x 16" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Spring flowers adorn the head and shoulders of a young girl. Portraying the essence of the season itself.

This original artwork (24" high x 20" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Portrait of a young woman in a winter landscape dressed in cloak and furs.

This original artwork (28" high x 16" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

This is a 21' Mural painted for Monarch Bus Service in St. Paul MN. The company image is the monarch butterfly. We incorporated a design that would show off the butterfly as well as a school bus and the city of St. paul in the distance that is served by the company. no actual people were shown so as not to reflect any race or gender into the picture.

A tired Union soldier stands at parade rest looking thoughtful. This American civil war era imaginative portrait original is in oil on canvas.

This original artwork (24" high x 18" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Semi-nude woman wrapped in a cream colored cloth and peering over her shoulder in front of a red drapery. Original painting in oils on canvas.

A young girl in Victorian-era costume looks up from her book with a smile.

This original artwork (24" high x 18" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Asian man with embroidered hat and vest.

This original artwork (20" high x 16" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Portrait of a Renaissance-era soldier in pot helmet and chain mail.

This painting is a representational portrait. In place of the people we have used their respective musical instruments. Between the instruments is an embroidered red rose and their favorite music is on the sheet.

A medieval longbow archer has his bow pulled, his arrow ready to release.

This original artwork (16" high x 34" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Portrait of a girl (Tess) on her Unicycle.

A young sailor on his first sea adventure

Commissioned work of an Iraqi soldier in the desert

Portrait of a very skeptical looking gentleman. Gives the feeling of a down to earth no nonsense individual.

This original artwork (24" high x 18" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

A man's face - old yet eternally young - emerges from the colored leaves of the forest.

A young girl reaches up to pick an apple.

This original artwork (28" high x 22" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

A mischievous fairy holds out 3 acorns.

This original artwork (14" high x 11" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

A sorrowful young girl wrapped in a russian shawl.

This original artwork (17" high x 14" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!

Young mother holds her baby, wrapped together in a plaid.

This original artwork (20" high x 20" wide) is available for purchase. Contact us!