Midday 

Volodymyr Orlovsky created this oil painting titled ‘Midday’, though we’re unsure exactly when. The painting captures a tranquil countryside scene under the full light of midday. Orlovsky's composition is structured around the horizontal expanse of the river, dividing the canvas into earth and sky. The trees on either side of the river frame the view, creating a balanced, almost symmetrical composition. The materiality of paint is evident in Orlovsky’s technique. Notice how he applies paint thickly to capture the textures of the foliage. The brushstrokes create an interplay of light and shadow which brings depth to the landscape. This focus on form and material, coupled with the idyllic scene, invites a reading of the artwork as not just a depiction of landscape, but an exploration of perception, nature, and representation. Orlovsky’s landscape encourages us to consider the broader cultural values attached to nature and the way we construct our understanding and appreciation of such scenes.