I really like the work of the artist named Valentin Serov. His paintings seem very special even for a sophisticated viewer. And it is not because of the fact that most of these works were painted in the technique of impressionism — different and new for the painter’s contemporaries. First of all, I am amazed by the great color range of the master’s canvases and the deep psychologism of his portraits.
Perhaps the most famous work of Serov was the painting called «Girl with Peaches». This is a portrait of Vera, the daughter of the philanthropist Savva Mamontov, The model is sitting in the room of the country house which is filled with bright sunlight, and the girl’s face seems surprisingly lively and expressive.
You can feel dynamic in Vera’s painting and this feeling of movement is noticeable in other children’s portraits of Serov. Good examples of such works are «Mika Morozov» and «Children».
In other words boys and girls look real in the artist’s paintings, they look captured at a certain moment in their lives, when they were resting only for a few seconds. But it is clear to the viewer that this moment will not last long, soon the child will jump out of his seat and will go to play again.
In addition to children’s paintings, I also like the portrait of the artist’s cousin Maria Simonovich called “The Girl in the Sunshine». In this picture, a relative of the painter is depicted sitting on a bench in a summer garden. This canvas awakens bright memories of the most beautiful time of the year in me and gives me a feeling of joy and peace.
Several years ago I was lucky to visit the exhibition of Valentin Alexandrovich which was held in the Tretyakov Gallery. There were presented the most famous works of the painter including «The Girl in the Sunshine». I was delighted to observe this picture directly on the canvas in front of me. I was amazed how through rough and, at first glance, chaotic strokes of paint, Serov was able to create a real masterpiece. I think only a true creator could do this!