Alexander Belov ’s unique approach to realism fascinates.Someone described his manner of work:“He creates fantasy out of reality ”.Oil paintings are his main way of expression.Portraits and landscapes take shape on his canvas.But his motifs take sudden leaps into pure fantasy.Sometimes obvious and more often in a sub-conscious manner. Dalai Lama once commented the painting Traveler (lower left):“You do not climb moun- tains in search of gold,but to fi nd wisdom.”