Lilies, a Present from the Daughter 1997

Tetyana Yablonska made this small painting of white lilies, a present from her daughter, with oil on canvas. I love the way Yablonska’s brushstrokes create a sense of depth and movement, it’s almost like she's trying to capture a fleeting moment. I imagine her setting up the lilies, maybe arranging them just so, before starting to paint. She probably mixed the colors right on the canvas, layering them to create a subtle, shimmering effect. The whites aren't just white—there are hints of blue, green, and gray that make them feel alive. It reminds me of the still lifes of Manet, where everyday objects are transformed into something extraordinary through the act of painting. You can feel the push and pull of observation and expression, each stroke building upon the last. Painting is like a conversation between artists across time. Yablonska, Manet, me, you—we’re all part of this ongoing exchange of ideas, inspiring each other’s creativity.