Alesandro Ljubicic's nature-inspired paintings appear to be emerging from the canvas. He uses an impasto technique, applying thick layers of paint, to create extraordinary works which entice the viewer in for a closer look.

Ljubicic has had seven solo shows, has been involved in many more group shows and has been a finalist in various art competitions including the Doug Moran National Portrait prize, the Mosman art prize and Paddington art prize.

His paintings range from the representational to the pure abstract and he keeps pushing the limits of what he can do with oil paint. His recent work ranges from very large semi abstract paintings up to four and a half metres wide to smaller abstract works which can be up to 8cm deep in paint and essentially lie somewhere between painting and sculpture.

Ljubicic also has a mind for business.  He founded the Sydney Art store when still at art school. In the podcast interview he tells the story of how that started and why it's still important to him to keep that business as his day job despite his success as an artist.

To hear the interview, click play under the feature photo (above) or subscribe to the podcast on iTunes or with your podcast app!

To see a short video of Alesandro Ljubicic talking with Maria Stoljar in his studio, go to the Talking with Painters YouTube channel here

Feature photo by Mark Jezercic

Upcoming events

* Solo exhibition, 'Intrinsic Nature', Scott Livesey Galleries, Melbourne, 27 April - 20 May 2017

* Sydney Contemporary, Carriageworks, Sydney, 7-10 September 2017

People and things we talk about on the show

* Alesandro Ljubicic

* Alesandro Ljubicic on Instagram

* Alesandro Ljubicic at Scott Livesey Galleries

* Alesandro Ljubicic at Michael Reid

* National Art school

* Lucy Culliton

* Sydney Art Store

* Art2Muse

* Sean Cook - Mr Cook Flowers

* Monika Radulovic on Instagram

* Alesandro Ljubicic on the Talking with Painters YouTube channel (below)

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T-0iuK1RwiE