STEVEN SKOLLAR is a New York City artist who has steadily built an international reputation depicting the cast-off toys of the 20th century and marvelous "portraits." Working with a technique that might be the envy of a 17th century Dutch master, Skollar takes his superb mastery of that rather somber style and uses it to make witty commentary on the human condition. His paintings are a reflection of our modern life served up with a with a mixture of nostalgia and rapier-sharp wit. Employing the dramatic lighting, deep shadows and dark grounds which were the essence of the Dutch and Flemish schools, the artist renders each subject with such skillful detail that his paintings take on the ambience of icons. He enhances this reverential aspect by creating handmade frames in gold leaf, or incorporating antique frames which he has collected over time,making each work into a modern altarpiece. Increasingly, Skollar has worked as a figurative painter, creating such "portrait" series as "Vocations" and "The Seven Deadly Sins." These arresting works have the power to both delight and provoke.