Ora Tamir

I was born on a kibbutz: a settlement surrounded by the stark beauty of the Israeli desert. At a young age I discovered the magic of color, the power of a line and the wonder of imagination. I was a loner, happily daydreaming while painting.

I moved with my father to Tel Aviv. I had an annual pass to the Museum of Art where I spent hours gazing at the masterpieces. It became my art class – my favorite playground. I collected art books and studied the masters such as Leonardo da Vinci, Michelangelo and Vincent van Gogh. On my twelfth birthday I received a set of oil paints. In my mind’s eye I can still see the beautiful black leather box containing paints and brushes.

After completing a two-year service in the Israel Defense Forces, I traveled to New York. While touring the city, I visited the Metropolitan Museum of Art where I encountered the work of Salvador Dalí for the first time. I was awestruck. That night I had a vivid dream – in it, a child was tied to a balloon, grasping her parents’ hands. I immediately sketched it and knew I had crossed into the world of Surrealism for good.

I paint in solitude – no sound, no distractions. I learned to listen to my inner voice. I paint by soul, never bending to trends or criticism. I live true to my wonderful obsession. Each new painting is an adventure. It takes me on an untraveled path. The painting is finished when it tells me that we have arrived.

It has been my good fortune to be well-received internationally. People who love my art come from all walks of life. They tell me that they find their own stories in my paintings.
They tell me that my art touches their soul.

For that, I am grateful.


Portfolio:

Original Oil Paintings

The creation of my art has many steps.
A wooden board is cut to the specified size, coated with Gesso and sanded. This process is repeated a number of times until the board has a completely smooth surface.
Color comes first. Using soft sable brushes and oil paints, I apply broad strokes of oil paints to the board. When I am done, it looks like an abstract painting, full of sporadic color and movement. This serves as my background.
After the first coat has dried, I stare at it. A new layer is applied; images come to life. Symbolic stories are created.
Completing a painting takes anywhere from a single month to several years.
Once dry, the completed painting is varnished to protect and enhance the colors.
A painting is finished when it feels right. I just know it. I sign it and never touch it again.

Temptation “Temptation”

Original oil painting, image size 22"x28". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

Mindscapes “Mindscapes”

Original oil painting, image size 14"x18". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

Nectar “Nectar”

Original oil painting, image size 30"x40". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

I can fly “I can fly”

Original oil painting, image size 14"x11". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

Walking on air “Walking on air”

Original oil painting, image size 14"x18". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

Imagine “Imagine”

Original oil painting, image size 22"x32". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

The Guardian “The Guardian”

Original oil painting, image size 22"x28". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

Infinite “Infinite”

Original oil painting, image size 22"x28". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

I love you “I love you”

Original oil painting, image size 14"x18". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

The Bionic woman “The Bionic woman”

Original oil painting, image size 22"x28". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

Essence of a woman “Essence of a woman”

Original oil painting, image size 28"x36". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.

passage “passage”

Original oil painting, image size 14"x18". The image has been issued as limited Giclee prints on Canvas.