Clowns Skula and Yeroshka 1914

Nicholas Roerich made this vibrant painting of two clowns, Skula and Yeroshka, with watercolors and tempera, maybe sometime in the early 20th century, but it could be today! I love how Roerich applied these translucent layers of color, creating a dynamic sense of movement and playful energy. It’s like he’s capturing a fleeting moment in a performance, or maybe a rehearsal! I can imagine him watching these clowns, trying to capture their essence and translating their energy into these marks. There’s a lot of freedom in the way the paint is applied, with loose brushstrokes and subtle blending of colors. But then also sharp outlines that define the figures. The textures are amazing too, especially in the costumes. I love the red, orange, and brown palette, which gives the whole painting a warm and inviting feeling, like the excitement of being in the audience. This reminds me of how a lot of artists that I admire make studies for larger works, but they have a special vitality all their own. It’s like you can see the artist thinking through the painting, stroke by stroke.