Konstantin Skoptsov () (born December 13, 1958) is a Ukrainian artist, drawing artist, painter and an illustrator. Biography Born in Odessa, Ukraine. After completing middle school Skoptsov proceeded to work as a metalworker. At the same time Skoptsov started drawing and illustrating. He served in the USSR Airforce, and at the conclusion of his military service attempted to enter into arts major programs in Odessa and Moscow. During his attempt at formal education, Konstantin discovered that the subject matter requirements imposed by the Communist Party contradicted with his artistic vision and personal beliefs. He therefore abandoned his efforts towards a college degree and instead joined the growing underground movement of young and politically independent artists. Artist career His first public exhibitions started in 1976, mostly in the apartment galleries hosted by private art collectors, accessible by invitation only. Today, his works are displayed throughout the world, in major galleries and museums. In 2000 Skoptsov was introduced to his future mentor, Temistokl Vyrsta, a renowned French abstractionist. This relationship had marked an important milestone in the artist's career as he became a representative of the French Art Association Fenix and established a large presence in Paris, in collaboration with the art project Paris School of Ukrainian Painting. In 2004, Skoptsov received a recognition award by Sovereign Military Hospitaller Order of Saint John for his illustrations to Henri de Régnier. Concurrently he was awarded an Honorary Fellowship by the Russian-Italian Academy Ferroni for illustrations to Dante Alighieri, as well as an essay on Giotto di Bondone's frescoes at the La Basilica di San Francesco d'Assisi. Skoptsov develops and promotes his signature Semantic Realism style, and uses a variety of media for his artistic inspirations, from canvas and paper to natural leather. He considers such Masters of drawing and painting as Pieter Bruegel the Elder and Hieronymus Bosch to be an inspiration and predecessors of Semantic Realism. Based on his own interviews and similarity in themes and style, he is frequently referred to as "Bosch From Odessa" by the Ukrainian media. Currently, Konstantin Skoptsov lives and works in his home city of Odessa, continuing collaborations with international galleries and museums. Quotes From Him About Drawing and Painting: “Line expresses everything permanent, while color – transient. The line, reigning this world, determines everything – it is a solely abstract symbol: Line reflect both character of the subject and unity of narrative. Line defines the