The most favorite genre of painting among artists and viewers is the landscape genre. Creators of works of art convey their own mood through their works. Paintings about winter by Russian artists reflect all the beauty and fabulous serenity of our nature at this amazing time of year.
Landscape by Nikifor Krylov
It is decorated with a work depicting a rural landscape called “Russian Winter”. Its author, Nikifor Krylov, comes from the city of Kalyazin, which is located on the Volga. In your picture talented artist depicted the outskirts of a village, behind which stands a forest of wondrous beauty. The foreground is represented by slowly walking women, towards whom a peasant walking, leading his horse, walks. The feeling of spaciousness and lightness is emphasized by the serene winter clouds floating across the sky.
Painting by I. Shishkin
The famous Russian landscape artist gave preference to a summer theme when creating his works. However, he strived for variety in his work, painting paintings depicting other seasons as well. One of these creations is the canvas “Winter”. The painting is powerful as it reveals the torpor of winter. Centrally is pine forest, covered with deep fluffy snow. Silence frosty day conveys the grandeur of the clear sky and mighty century-old pines, covered with a fluffy white blanket. Thanks to the bluish coloring, the work reveals the languid beauty of the sleeping forest. I. Shishkin proves that paintings about winter by Russian artists can inspire and amaze the imagination with their colors and shades, gradually revealing the meaning to the viewer.
Work by B. Kustodiev
The winter landscapes of Russian artists amaze with their splendor. The most beloved in Rus' folk holiday- Maslenitsa - depicted in the painting of the same name by B. Kustodiev. The work conveys the mood of a mischievous and cheerful farewell to winter and welcome to spring. The main attributes of Maslenitsa are pancakes and folk festivals. It’s hard to believe that this cheerful picture was created when he was seriously ill and confined to a wheelchair.
March winter day in a painting by K. Yuon
Winter in the paintings of Russian artists seems mysterious and wary. The opposite mood is the painting by K. Yuon “March Sun”. Clear piercing blue sky, sparkling snow, bright spots convey the freshness of a frosty day. The temperamental artist depicted two horsemen moving on their horses along a narrow path. A beautiful horse catches up with them, with a dog running leisurely next to it. The triumphant joyful colors gave the picture fame and love from the audience.
Night as depicted by A. Kuidzhi
Paintings about winter by Russian artists convey a feeling of a fantastic atmosphere. As if proving this, A. Kuidzhi’s work “Moonlight Spots in the Forest. Winter” depicts the space of a small forest clearing surrounded by trees and bushes in the snow. Moonlight illuminates motionless objects, turning the entire clearing into a mysterious space. The light areas froze in a daze. From different sides, thick shadows creep up on them in dark spots, which smoothly turn into the tops of the trees.
Thus, paintings about winter by Russian artists are filled with a contrast of mystery and harmony. They convey to the viewer not only all the splendor and beauty of Russian nature, but also the deep meaning, mood, and creator. Winter in the paintings of Russian artists is presented in all its grandeur. All this together contributes to the creation of a special atmosphere in the viewer’s mind, allowing one to feel like a participant in the animated landscape and “touch” its details.
N.S. Krylov (1802-1831). Winter landscape (Russian winter), 1827. Russian Museum
No, after all, winter without snow is not winter. But in big city The snow doesn’t stick around yet, it falls today and is gone tomorrow. All that remains is to admire the snow in the paintings of artists. Having traced this theme in painting, I discovered that the best snow landscapes, of course, come from Russian artists. Which is not surprising, Russia has always been the snowiest and frostiest country. After all, these are ours - felt boots, sheepskin coats, sleighs, and hats with earflaps! I have already presented Aivazovsky’s winter landscapes. And now another 10 best snow pictures Russian artists late XIX- the beginning of the 20th century, very famous and little known, but no less remarkable, but this is only a very small part of the Russian heritage.
A few words about the artist whose painting begins this list. This is one of the first images of winter in Russian painting, painted at a time when landscape artists painted mainly views of Italy or Switzerland with waterfalls and mountain peaks. A.G. Venetsianov (teacher, member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts, founder of the so-called Venetsian school) met Krylov in the Terebensky monastery of the Tver province, where he, as an apprentice, painted the iconostasis with the artel of Kalyazin icon painters. On the advice of Venetsianov, Krylov began drawing from life and painting portraits. In 1825 he came to St. Petersburg, settled with Venetsianov as his student and at the same time began to attend drawing classes at the Academy of Arts. The history of the creation of the painting is known. In 1827 young artist the intention arose to paint a winter view from life. When Krylov chose a place on the banks of the Tosna River, near St. Petersburg, one of the wealthy merchants and patrons of the arts built him a warm workshop there and gave him a table and allowance for the entire duration of his work. The painting was completed within a month. She appeared at an exhibition at the Academy of Arts.
1. Ivan Ivanovich Shishkin (1832-1898) - great Russian artist (painter, landscape painter, engraver), academician. Shishkin studied painting at the School of Painting in Moscow, and then continued his education at the Academy of Arts in St. Petersburg. Having the opportunity to travel, Shishkin visited Germany, Munich, then Switzerland, Zurich. Everywhere Shishkin worked in workshops famous artists. In 1866 he returned to St. Petersburg. Traveling around Russia, he then presented his paintings at exhibitions.
I. Shishkin. In the wild north, 1891. Kiev Museum of Russian Art
2. Ivan Pavlovich Pokhitonov (1850-1923) - Russian artist, master of landscape. Member of the Association of Itinerants. He became famous for his miniatures, mainly landscape ones. He painted with a thin brush, using a magnifying glass, on mahogany or lemon wood boards, which he primed using a special technology. “This is some kind of sorcerer-artist, so masterfully, masterfully done; the way he writes, you just can’t understand... A sorcerer!” - I.E. Repin spoke about him. He lived most of his life in France and Belgium, without losing contact with Russia. His work organically combined the poetic mood characteristic of Russian landscapes with French sophistication and strict demands on the pictorial quality of works. Unfortunately, the work of this original Russian artist is currently in the shadows, but at one time his paintings were highly appreciated by both great artists and art lovers.
I.P. Pokhitonov. Snow effect
I.P. Pokhitonov. Winter landscape, 1890. Saratov State art museum them. A.N. Radishcheva
3. Alexey Alexandrovich Pisemsky (1859-1913) - painter, draftsman, landscape painter, was engaged in illustration. Represents Russian realistic landscape of the 1880-90s. Entered in 1878 as a free student in Imperial Academy Arts, was awarded for his successes with three small and two large silver medals. He left the academy in 1880, receiving the title of non-class artist of the 3rd degree. The following year, for the paintings presented at the academic exhibition, he was promoted to artist of the 2nd degree. He was especially successful in watercolor painting and pen drawing, and has been a regular participant in exhibitions of Russian watercolor societies since its inception.
A.A. Pisemsky. Winter landscape
A.A. Pisemsky. Winter landscape with a hut
4. Apollinary Mikhailovich Vasnetsov (1856-1933) - Russian artist, master historical painting, art critic, brother of Viktor Vasnetsov. Apollinary Vasnetsov was not his timid shadow, but had a completely original talent. He did not receive systematic art education. His school was direct communication and collaboration with the largest Russian artists: brother, I.E. Repin, V.D. Polenov. The artist was interested in a special type of historical landscape, in which A. Vasnetsov tried to revive the appearance and life of pre-Petrine Moscow. At the same time, the artist continued to paint “ordinary” landscapes.
A.M. Vasnetsov. Winter's Dream (Winter), 1908-1914. Private collection
5. Nikolai Nikanorovich Dubovskoy (1859-1918) - academician of painting (1898), full member of the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts (1900), professor-head of the landscape workshop of the Higher art school painting. Member and subsequently one of the leaders of the Association of Itinerants. Developing the traditions of Russian landscape painting, Dubovskoy creates his own type of landscape - simple and laconic. Among the many now undeservedly forgotten artists who were famous in their time national painting, name N.N. Dubovsky stands apart: among Russian landscape painters of the late 19th - early 20th centuries, his name was one of the most popular.
N.N. Dubovskaya. At the monastery. Trinity-Sergius Lavra, 1917. Rostov Museum of Fine Arts
6. Igor Emmanuilovich Grabar (1871 - 1960) - Russian Soviet artist-painter, restorer, art historian, educator, museum activist, teacher. People's Artist USSR (1956). Winner of the Stalin Prize, first degree (1941). After graduating from St. Petersburg University, he entered the St. Petersburg Academy of Arts in 1895, where he studied in the workshop of Ilya Repin. I.E. Grabar is one of the most famous names in the history of Russian culture of the 20th century.
I.E. Grabar. Snowdrifts, 1904. National Gallery of Art. Boris Voznitsky, Lviv
7. Nikolai Petrovich Krymov (1884-1958) - Russian painter and teacher. People's Artist of the RSFSR (1956), corresponding member of the USSR Academy of Arts (1949). N.P. Krymov was born in Moscow on April 20 (May 2), 1884 in the family of the artist P.A. Krymov, who wrote in the style of the “Wanderers”. He received his initial professional training from his father. In 1904 he entered the Moscow school painting, sculpture and architecture, where he first studied at the architectural department, and in 1907-1911 - in the landscape workshop of A.M. Vasnetsova. Participant of the exhibition "Blue Rose" (1907), as well as exhibitions of the Union of Russian Artists. He lived in Moscow, also spending (since 1928) a significant part of the year in Tarusa.
Nikolay Krymov. Winter, 1933. State Tretyakov Gallery
Fluffy white flakes. A cozy creaking sound underfoot. Sparkling snow reflects the sun's ray. Perfect winter- the grace of nature. And if he doesn’t become generous, art won’t let you down. Russian artists have been painting winter for centuries. Without knowing it - for future use. Looking at winter landscapes with Natalia Letnikova.
The mood of winter is a little childish. While in the village of Ladeiki near Krasnoyarsk, Vasily Surikov decided to convey all the Siberian daring that comes through even in winter fun. “I wrote what I myself have seen many times.” The painter looked for images every market day. The organization of nature - a snowy town and a mounted Cossack on an “assault” - is the merit of the artist’s brother. Alexander Surikov himself took a place in the picture in “ auditorium" - on a sleigh covered with a bright carpet.
Taking the snowy town. 1891. State Russian Museum
Landscapes by a marine painter. A real rarity. Aivazovsky wrote for his creative life about six thousand paintings. And almost every job involves the sea. But the painter of the Main Naval Staff also used silver in his palette, painting not wave crests... but a snow-covered forest. The source of inspiration is not only southern Feodosia, but also northern St. Petersburg, where the gifted young man Hovhannes Ayvazyan grew into the artist Ivan Aivazovsky.
Winter landscape. 1876. Private collection
“In the wild north...” Poetic lines by Mikhail Lermontov and the title of the painting by Ivan Shishkin. Half a century since the death of the poet... Russian artists painted pictures based on his poems. Shishkin chose the theme of loneliness and saw his pine tree in the town of Kemi in distant Finland, where the painter’s daughter had moved. Night, twilight, silence, solitude - not a sentence, but a marvelous winter dream. “...In that region where the sun rises, / Alone and sad on a burning cliff / A beautiful palm tree grows.”
“In the wild north...” 1891. Kyiv Museum of Russian Art
Fairy tale, opera, painting. And it's all about her. The Snow Maiden was invented by playwright Alexander Ostrovsky, endowed with a coloratura soprano by composer Nikolai Rimsky-Korsakov, and brought to the edge of the forest by artist Viktor Vasnetsov. A touching girl, whose prototype was Sashenka, the daughter of Savva Mamontov, takes a step into big world. Snow-white edge and gray haze in the distance. Anxiety in the girls' eyes and... the feeling of a fairy tale, even with a sad ending.
Greetings, my beloved readers. It's winter outside, that's why today's theme is winter. I offer in once again help our schoolchildren with their studies and prepare material for children about paintings by Russian artists about winter. I am sure that in the very near future it may come in handy in Russian language and literature classes.
Lesson plan:
Why is winter attractive to an artist?
Russian winter is not only ours business card for any foreigner who shudders from the cold just at the mention of it. This is also a real find for landscape painters. Where else, if not in Rus', can you see fluffy snow flakes and snow sparkling under the rays of winter in such splendor?
How, if not with the artistic brush of famous authors, can we accurately convey that cozy creaking underfoot down to the slightest rustle? Who, if not Russian artists, can envelop us from their artistic canvas with the serene splendor of sleeping winter nature, wrapped in a snow-white blanket?
In a word, “...frost and sun, a wonderful day...”. Inspired by the beautiful poetic word famous masters literature about the Russian winter, masters of painting created beauty on canvas, and the beauty was often joyful, sunny and full of bright colors.
Let's quickly get acquainted with the descriptions of some paintings by famous Russian authors and immerse ourselves, together with their work, in the bewitching winter world of nature.
The playful winter of Vasily Surikov
Let's start with, perhaps, the most interesting stories for children - about naughty games, because often winter mood somewhat reminiscent of childishness.
This is exactly what Vasily Surikov wants to tell us from his canvas “The Capture of a Snowy Town”. His work is considered one of the most optimistic picturesque paintings, and in the collection of Surikov’s works it is the only one where there is neither a tragic nor a conflict note, which is what the author was inclined to do.
Appeared work of art painting was born during the author’s stay in his small Siberian homeland of Krasnoyarsk. The artist with Cossack roots liked local fun since childhood. He often watched such games from the window of his house, and he himself participated in them. Snow towns always appeared as part of Maslenitsa festivities, for which they prepared several days in advance.
All youthful enthusiasm found embodiment on canvas, where the main characters are Siberians with ruddy and joyful faces. The admiring glances of the peasants in sheepskin coats and short fur coats are directed at the rider who took the snow fortress.
The crowd of winners laughs joyfully, smiling at us from the canvas. The special flavor and celebration in the painting are created by the holiday effects applied by Surikov - painted harnesses, bright details of clothing. The artist’s usual technique is also observed - there are always many characters, each with their own facial expression and in a certain pose, each endowed with their own character, as if the author breathed a soul into them.
Surikov’s canvas is like the frosty freshness of a winter afternoon, full of bright contrasts, come to life, full of movement.
Azure Winter by Igor Grabar
Igor Grabar, who loved winter landscapes with all his soul, always found pure, seemingly white winter colors, different shades. His paintings are far from a boring white blanket covering all living things. The author believed that in order to write winter, you need huge amount different shades. That is why his winter on his canvases is azure, in bright blue-blue colors, the impeccability of which sometimes dazzles the eyes.
The artist’s “Winter Morning” is a clear confirmation of this. Although if you look closely, you can see a different palette of colors in the work, which does not stand out from the general azure tone. A snow-covered edge and trees shrouded in morning frost occupy a central place on the canvas.
A special mood is created by the sun's rays breaking through the branches, which with their soft yellow light make everything around sparkle, creating a feeling of morning frost.
Igor Grabar did not try to draw every detail. On the contrary, everything on the canvas is written small thick strokes and slightly merges into a single landscape, creating an enthusiastic mood like a fairy tale.
The mysterious winter of Ivan Shishkin
I. Shishkin’s painting entitled “Winter” is a real secret. There are only dense trees and white snow. On the canvas there are only a lot of trunks and huge branches covered with large white snowdrifts. And nothing more. A more to the artist nothing was needed to convey to us all the mystery of the dense winter forest.
Not a single trace indicating the presence of a living soul, only fallen trunks and silence bound by frost. Everything suggests that nature really is sleeping.
The author's work is in some ways even similar to modern photography, he managed to convey the landscape so naturally. You look through the mighty trees and it seems that a hero from a fairy tale is about to emerge from behind them. Maybe a clubfoot is hiding behind the trees, or maybe Morozko is sneaking through the branches with a magic staff?
There are only two colors - white and black, but how skillfully the landscape painter Shishkin was able to convey to us the winter tranquility of a forest clearing and a bright “window” stretching into the distance. But if we take a closer look, we will see shades of yellow in the snow, and the trees are far from sadly black, but painted in soft brown tones.
And life is present on the canvas, it turns out! Take a closer look: on a branch in this deserted winter fairy tale world a bird sits. And this also adds mystery and mysticism to Shishkin’s work.
Country winter by Isaac Levitan
Painting with the title “Village. “Winter” Levitan wrote when he was only 18 years old, and these were his first, but quite successful steps in the field of painting.
The simplicity of the plot consists of rusticated village houses, as if frozen along with the winter nature, located on the sides of a well-worn path. Thick blankets of snow covered their poised silhouettes lined up in orderly rows.
It seems that everything froze when winter came to the village. The only thing that speaks about the glimmering life in the village is the figure of a man, which is not so easy to see in a landscape with a deserted street and bare trees in the background.
City winter by Konstantin Yuon
Winter is good not only in the forest, it is beautiful not only in rural landscape. She is also extraordinarily amazing in urban scenes. U famous painter Yuon’s favorite topic was the depiction of the Trinity Lavra on canvas. He was most successful in winter landscapes with an architectural monument.
His painting “Trinity Lavra in Winter” is imbued with the author’s love and carries hope and faith. The central place on the canvas is occupied by the temple, stretching its domes into the sky. And all the fuss freezes in this place, as if...
A long line of people walks in an endless ribbon along the trade route past the temple, and a flock of birds echoes them in the sky, like a reflection. The author was able to convey freshness and tranquility to us with the help of a snow-white bedspread. Complete winter calm.
This is how the winter five turned out today. And this is just a small fraction among the many paintings about winter by famous Russian artists. Maybe you have your own favorites? Share your impressions. Tell us about them in the comments)
And we talked about spring-themed paintings. We generally talk about a lot of things, so it’s better to subscribe to the blog news to keep abreast of school events.
Have a wonderful winter!