Vue De Cahors 1926

Alexis Gritchenko made this painting, Vue De Cahors, using oil paints and brushes. The texture is thick and coarse, built up from many layers of paint. What's fascinating about the painting is how Gritchenko uses the materiality of oil paint to convey his impression of Cahors. Look closely, and you will notice how Gritchenko has applied the paint in short, energetic strokes, which gives the scene a sense of vibrancy. The impasto technique creates shadows and highlights, adding depth. This approach, rooted in his Ukrainian heritage, echoes techniques seen in Byzantine icons, where layers of paint are meticulously built up to create a luminous effect. By embracing this approach, Gritchenko challenges traditional notions of landscape painting. He invites us to consider the way materials and process shape our understanding and appreciation of art.