About the Artist

Mirkovich, whose first name Nenad means “surprise” in his native language (Serbian), delivers that element of surprise in his paintings of tranquil landscapes, crashing coastlines, peaceful symphonies and energetic jazz bands. Mirkovich states that he is at his best when capturing the mood — and by using vibrant colors to illustrate that mood. He tries to make the viewer feel, as well as see, the color and hear the music through the colors he has utilized. Mirkovich says the varied subject matter and styles he uses in his work are not so different as they first seem. His paintings comprise juxtapositions of opposites — high drama with peaceful beauty, darkness and shadow with light and sunshine, movement with quiet. In a face or in a landscape, the elements that provide the surprise are much the same.

Mirkovich’s background as a portrait painter and magazine illustrator in Yugoslavia helped him to develop his varied styles. He began painting and drawing as a young child, growing up in a family of artists and fine craftsmen. His father, Brana, a well-known artist in Yugoslavia, was considered to be one of the best portrait artists in Belgrade. His mother was a designer who decorated some of the finest homes in Belgrade and his grandfather made fine furniture for export to French society. Mirkovich inherited these talents. He completed his formal education at the university in Belgrade, majoring in art, but most of his education was gathered from his family.

Born in Belgrade, Yugoslavia in 1951, Mirkovich currently lives in Houston. Residing in the area since 1985, Mirkovich loves living on the Gulf Coast. When not creating art, Mirkovich enjoys fishing and cooking, spending as much time as possible with friends in Tiki Island. Mirkovich owns more than 150 fishing rods, makes his own lures and “can sit in a boat for hours and hours, pulling out fish,” according to his wife, Donna. Besides painting and fishing, his other passions are cooking and music, with many of his paintings featuring world renowned musicians. Mirkovich also is a gourmet cook, and has developed a favorite dish he calls “Nenad Chicken.”*

*Excerpt from the Houston Chronicle