Valery Kosorukov – prominent Russian fine artist, born in Moscow. Professor, member of the Union of Artist of Russia, honored citizen of the City of New Orleans (U.S.A.). Completed with honors the graduate and post-graduate fine arts degree programs at the Moscow State Surikov Fine Arts Institute, where he later taught painting and drawing for over 25 years.

Ballet has been a main creative theme of Kosorukov's art since the time of his studies at one of the world’s most prestigious fine art schools. Young artist created a visual chronicle of the Bolshoi Theater in a series of unparalleled original artwork.

Based on the foundation of that artwork, the first art book of Kosorukov, "Ballet," was published by "Soviet Artist" in 1966. Professionals and press noted the originality and bright individuality of the artist, who was able to capture the very essence of the dance. The splendid pastel "N. Bessmertnova - Giselle" became not only the artist's personal logo, but a symbol of his homeland’s ballet.

Since the mid-1970s, the artist gained world recognition. He had personal exhibits in Moscow, Novosibirsk, Jackson, Varna, Cairo, New Orleans, Madrid, and Milan. Kosorukov's artwork and his loyalty to the ballet theme became widely noticed in the art world, and he began to be called the “Russian Degas” by those who appreciated his art.

Many of his works from the 1970 and 1980s became a part of his art book “Images of the Ballet,” published by “Fine Art Publishing” in 1988. Another book, “Mystery of Terpsichore,” illustrated by Kosorukov, had an edition of a hundred thousand copies in 1989.

Kosorukov was the designer of the Moscow International Ballet Competition’s Logo for the U.S.S.R. Ministry of Culture. For many years Kosorukov’s personal exhibits in the legendary White Foyer of the Bolshoi Theater were the culmination of the ballet competition’s program.

The artist’s versatile and impressive talent found its expression through images of the theater. For a number of years Kosorukov worked closely with the great American dancer Fernando Bujones. For Bujones’ Orlando Ballet Company, Kosorukov created stage sceneries for nine ballets, including “La Bayadere”, “Giselle”, “Don Quito” and “Nutcracker.”

Various periodicals of Russia, U.S. and Europe published articles about Kosorukov’s artwork. In 2003 Kosorukov’s paintings were extensively covered in an edition of “International Artist” magazine, which covers trends and events in the world of fine arts.

The artist uses methods of impressionism, filling his artwork with refined play of light and colors. Precise brush strokes combined with softer elegant ones create jewel-like colorful patterns, both attracting and fascinating. While he continues to develop his ballet theme, Kosorukov successfully works in other genres – including portraiture, landscapes, and nudes.

Many fine art experts put the name of Valery Kosorukov next to the name of the great Russian master of drawing of the 19th century, Valentine Serov. At the same time, Kosorukov’s drawing distinguishes itself by its exceptional expressiveness. His drawing might be a fanciful play of lines, or might be very simplistic. At times, the artist might use just a simple stroke of the pen to reveal a shape, reproduce a movement, or create a mood.

For the last several years Kosorukov has maintained his art connection with Russia. Meanwhile, Kosorukov’s work is located in many public collections: Bakhrushin State Central Theatre Museum, Museum of the Bolshoi Theatre, Ministry of Culture (Russia), Artists’ Union of Russia, George Bush Presidential Library, Chevron USA, Inc., and in various private collections in Russia, Austria, Netherlands, Canada, Germany, Egypt, Italy, Switzerland, Spain and the United States.