G.Gust - Dragonfly

"Dragonfly" constitutes a fascinating study of nature, rendered in a modern, almost graphic aesthetic. As the author, Grzegorz Gust, I opted for a bold composition and extraordinary attention to textural detail.
This is almost a macro, created with brushes on canvas.
The image is characterized by an unconventional approach to the subject. Instead of the classic profile of the insect, I opted for a frontal perspective (en face), which gives the dragonfly an almost portrait-like, anthropomorphic character.
The dragonfly's head is centered, immediately drawing the viewer's eye and creating a strong focal point. Four powerful wings extend to the edges of the canvas, forming an X-like arrangement that gives the composition stability while simultaneously suggesting a moment of suspended flight.
What largely distinguishes this image is the rendering of the microstructure: I used here a technique resembling crackle or an intricate mosaic. The silver-gray surface of the wings is covered with a dense network of 'veins', which gives them an organic, yet jewelry-like appearance. They look almost three-dimensional. The insect's head captivates with details—from large, faceted eyes in shades of sea green and brown, to the delicate 'tuft' (orange halo) around the thorax, which adds softness and warmth to the figure. The dark, sharply defined legs in the lower part add a sense of predation and realism to the composition.
It is soft, impressionistic, rendered in tones of blurred greens, yellows, and blues. It provides an ideal contrast to a precisely drawn insect, suggesting its natural habitat—a meadow or a pond—without depicting it literally.
The painting balances on the boundary between magical realism and scientific illustration. By enlarging the insect to a large scale, the viewer has the opportunity to notice the beauty in nature's geometry, which is usually too small to fully appreciate. The work exudes calm, yet technical precision, which is a hallmark of my craft.
A few details about the author:
G. Gust is the signature used by Grzegorz Gust (born 1973 in Grudziądz).
Jest is an active, contemporary artist specializing in mixed media painting, which allows him to experiment with various structures, textures, and light.
His work is a subtle blend of abstraction and surrealism with naturalist elements and a touch of fairy tale, symbolically conveying the harmony between humans and nature. The artist emphasizes emotional expression in his work, and his paintings invite viewers to reflect on the fleeting beauty of the surrounding world.
Grzegorz Gust is the author of solo and group exhibitions, and his works adorn private collections both domestically and abroad.
Active member of ZAP (Association of Visual Artists).
The artist is present on the Polish art market.
The auction description refers to him as an 'Artist and forester with a passion,' and his works are 'deeply rooted in nature and also in personal experiences,' which corresponds with the organic, dendritic style of the artwork.
It focuses on emotional expression and brings the viewer into a state of reflection on the surrounding world.