SOME GREAT ART

"All the arts live by words. Each work of art demands its response; and the urge that drives human beings to create - like the creations that result from this strange instinct - is inseparable from a form of 'literature,' whether written or not. . . .  May not the prime motive of any work be the wish to give rise to discussion, if only between the mind and itself?"

Paul Valery (1871-1945)


Creative expression has always been important to me.  In particular, I am at awe for those exceptionally rare individuals who could effectively communicate their feelings and emotions through the visual medium of painting. This admiration probably owes something to the fact that personally I have been blessed with little talent or ability in that sphere.
Without much consistent education in the field of art, I have come to appreciate it more intuitively, through experience rather than learning. Having been born in the cultural center of Russia, I was lucky to be exposed to many enlightening influences.  In the museums of Moscow and St. Petersburg, which house some of the most famous and brilliant masterpieces from the world's greatest artists, I received my  most valuable education in art.  Even now, having taken some art classes in college, I still trust my inner instinct when evaluating paintings. I do not know whether there is a "right" way to see art, and I would definitely like to educate myself more on the subject, but in the end, a great work of art to me is the one which inspires reflection and leaves a permanent impression on my imagination.
Here, I will present my favorite artists and their most memorable paintings.
And as always, please look for more to be added regularly.
 

Vrubel

 

Vasnecov

 

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