Sharif Tarabay

Originally from Egypt, his drawing skills gave him confidence as a child and he went on to study Fine Art at Concordia University in Montreal. He’s worked in a graphic design studio and so he understands the pressures his clients are under, using his traditional media skills to exceed their expectations. He loves the classic artists of the 18th, 19th and 20th centuries and is inspired by Europe’s oldest cities and the artworks they hold.

Approach

Sharif works traditionally using oils, acrylics, watercolours, pastels and coloured pencils. Sometimes, he’ll use a combination of physical and digital media, using Photoshop to plan an image, then printing it out on cotton paper and completing it with acrylics or fast-drying oils. The best of both worlds.

Styles

Sharif delivers realism with a painterly touch, maintaining an artistic sensibility rather than competing with the camera. Preparation is important to him, and he makes sure he has good reference material, a solid drawing and a good composition in order to achieve the perfect style for the brief.

Awards

1997 – Canadian Association of Photographers and Illustrators (CAPIC) Awards – Gold in Editorial 1993 – CAPIC Awards – Bronze in Self-promotion 1992 – CAPIC Awards – Bronze in Self-promotion 1991 – CAPIC Awards – Bronze in Advertising