The Chronicles of 2013

While greeting a New Year I would like to take a moment to glance back and to highlight the most important moments in my artistic career of 2013.

Tin Shed, (Painted during the 8th annual Florida's Forgotten Coast Plein Air Invitational, America's Great Paint-Out), 2013, 18"x14", oil on oil primed linen canvas

It has been a great honor for me to be among about 20 nationally acclaimed artists who were invited to participate in the annual Florida Forgotten Coast International Plein Air Invitational event that took place in May 2013. The coastal stretch of rural Florida on the Gulf of Mexico between Alligator Point and Mexico Beach is truly an area of forgotten beauty. The wildlife, the marshes, fishing boats, and the overall taste of America’s southern life are deeply associated with Florida. There is no place like home and this is my beautiful home.

Grey Goose Farm ("Artist Choice Award" during the Tilghman Island Paint Out during Plein Air Easton. Celebrate Tilgman Island), 2013, 10"x20", oil on oil primed linen canvas

There is nothing better than immersing in the creative atmosphere at plein air events; these gatherings are central pillars of my artistic career and progress. In addition to Forgotten Coast event, in 2013 I was fortunate to be at Plein air Easton, Maryland and to attend a meeting of the American Impressionist Society which included a one-day paint out in Charleston. Friendly, competitive, and artistic spirit of these events not only helps me, but also represents our community. I am very happy to get to know in person artists that I only knew through their works. I am thrilled to have so many new friends and supporters.
Being an artist is a journey, exploring the world and depicting its grace and charm is a passion of my life. I have been very fortunate in 2013 to visit and work at exotic and remote places.

Matanuska River, 2013, 8"x10", oil on oil primed linen canvas

Alaska is one of those remote corners; it is a harsh land of mountains, glaciers, rushing rivers, and endless vistas. I grew up in Siberia and visiting Alaska brought me a lot of memories and inspiration.

Indian Ocean, 2013, 8"x12", oil on canva-paper

South Africa, Cape Town, Stellenbosch, Plettenberg Bay is the second and opposite corner of Earth where my adventures took me in 2013. There are really no words that can describe the capes of Africa. I hope I was able to express some of that in my works. While painting at the southernmost edge of Africa I had an unexpected struggle with wind, on several occasions my easel was blown off and a few times I had to chase my paintings that were ripped out of my hands by the wind.

With 124 new works of art competed, and with so much inspiration from travel, from people and friends around me, the 2013 has been a wonderful year. During this year I finally dared to paint a big 48"x64" during plein air!

Swamp Sunflowers, 2013, 48"x64", oil on cotton canvas

My dear family, friends, colleagues, collectors, and every one with passion for art, thank you all for your love and support.