I started this painting as one of the sketches for the mural. Client chose another picture as the final design. In time when I painted the mural I made a lot of kayaking trips on Blue Springs. I was literally hunting for the photos. I added more animals and birds to the mural. I got addicted to this idea. I got so many pictures so I made this painting and a few more murals with the same idea, but different details.
Water in Florida rivers have a bright cognac color, because oak and cypress trees add the color. At sunrise time the water shines with millions of gold sparkles. Together with koi fish the view is fascinating. It is so mesmerizing that I can for hours look at the water and playing fish.
I like to see the sun rise or get down. That one was so amazing. The sunlight mixed with the fog and tropical plants was spectacular. I was so impressed that I made 2 paintings of the same view from different angles. One of them is on display in Venice now and the second is here.
I believe that rivers are more than just the flow of the water. Every river has its own soul and personality. It brings life to the forest and to the people. I had this river and lake in my dreams countless times.
In a very short time right after sunset we can get an unbelievable combination of colors. It can be challenging for the artist to capcure, but it is worth the effort.
I painted this view right on the beach. I had to paint fast. The rain fell when I was already in the car. It was pouring with cats and dogs. I sang “The Yellow submarine” on the way. Of course I had to do final touch ups at home, but I saved the beach mood and colors.
These three paintings are from my covid fighting series and my personal miracle. In the Summer 2021 I decided to leave my day job to become a full time artist. I was already sick with a covid, but found out only a few days later. I guess the impact of covid on my nervous system helped me to make this sharp move. After covid I was so weak that I was not able to paint. I started from these tiny paintings . It is way smaller than my usual size, but it was all I could do at the time. With each painting I could feel like life turning back to me. It took me about a month to create 7 tiny paintings. After that I recognise I am alive again! I want to paint something that has water and fire energy together. The inspiration flow was so strong that I worked non stop. Three days later the 4 feet by 6 feet painting Triumph of Life was ready.
Does the artist create the places on the painting or somehow he/she is seeing it in the Universe? I got this idea in a deep state of meditation. Lighthouse for me is a symbol of light. For hundreds of years this light helped to navigate through the darkest nights and storms. I believe that we carry our own inner light, which we share with other people. We light the way for others with our love and kindness like a the lighthouse does with the light. I thought that I just painted the image I saw in my inner vision. But the story got a second chapter. One year later I read a book about Wyoming. There was a mention of place named Mammoth Waterfall. Can you imagine my shock when I saw the place? It was extremely similar to my painting!
This beach is old. Very old. You can sense it here with all your feelings. Salt is in the water and air. People are looking for prehistoric shark teeth. Mangrove growing right next to the water. You can completely lose track of time. Is it the 21st century or thousands of years ago?
As far as I can remember I always like the cherry and apple trees blooming. I could sit on the branch of a cherry tree for hours. I would dream of something or just enjoy the feeling of connection with nature. We don't have cherry trees in Florida, but I can paint them!
I believe that Florida has the most beautiful sunsets! When sun rays pass through the clouds we can see amazing effects. All colors and shapes change. It fills our souls with light and happiness.
The clear transparent water is one of the most attractive objects for artists. I try to catch a balance between light, shadows and reflections. Plants are growing above water, in water, under water. It was a big challenge for me.
This is one of these paintings when I don’t make a decision. The painting dictates to me how it wants to look. I saw the girl sitting on the surfboard in the water. I started to paint. Next that I could do is not stop painting.
This channel was my first ride on the boat in Florida. The impression was so intense that I could not sleep for a few days. I had to paint it! Couple years later I showed the painting to a client in another city. She exclaimed “I know that tree!” She grabbed her phone and showed me the video she took just a couple days before. There it was! Exactly the same place and the same tree!
To see the rainy season together with monsoons and tropical islands was my huge childhood dream. Not because I wanted the rain so much. But It was a part of tropical life full of adventures. I read so many books about that. I lived there in my mind. That kind life was attractive and unreal. It was absolutely impossible for the girl living in the Soviet Union. Here we are! This painting is my personal vin! If we believe in our dream it becomes the true. The circumstances don't matter!
Golden is the color of the Sun, healing and vitality. I made this painting in a covid lockdown. I lost my job and was scarry. I had to do something to help myself to feel stronger. I painted spring, sunrise and the blooming tree. Life above death, Spring above Winter!
Even the people who are not too sensitive can sense the difference between the energy of the mountains and the valleys. I love our Florida and at the same time I am missing the mountains. Sometimes the feeling is so strong that I have to go there. If I am not able to go to the mountains physically I can always paint them!