Still life with lilacs by the sea 1955

David Burliuk’s painting of lilacs by the sea is a feast of thick strokes and vibrant greens. I can almost feel Burliuk piling on the paint, one brushstroke at a time. Imagine Burliuk standing before his canvas, lost in the act of creation. What was he thinking? I bet he was so happy with the light, but also frustrated, maybe even a little manic. The lilacs are just exploding out of the vase. The color palette is what gets me going, though. Look at the greens: they are alive, swirling, and so expressive of the sea, and it makes me think about how artists inspire each other, even across generations. Think about Van Gogh, another painter who wasn't afraid to pile on the paint, or Soutine. It's like they're all in conversation, sharing ideas about how to capture a fleeting moment, a feeling, on canvas. It’s never over, this exchange!