Will and Susan Utay specialize in hand-painted photography, following a tradition that pre-dates the inception of color processing. The images are photographed with black & white film and printed on a warm-toned matte paper. The prints are prepared with a mineral spirit-based emulsion and colored by hand using a variety of media including oils, pencils, acrylics, water colors and pastels.

The phrase “magical realism” has been used to describe the literary work of such authors as Gabriel Garcia Marquez. It is this same effect that the Utays strive for visually: a beguiling seductiveness and ethereal allure that sets their work apart from black & white or color photography.

Mr. Utay is well known to television viewers from roles in more than 200 programs over the past 20 years, most notably Night Court (Phil the Derelict) and Days of our Lives (Dr. Rolf). His successful career also includes numerous film and stage productions.