Three Russian Women 

Filipp Malyavin made this sketch of three Russian women using pastel and charcoal on paper. It's a striking combination of soft, chalky hues and strong, dark lines. The use of pastel lends a gentle, almost dreamlike quality to the scene. It's immediate; each stroke adds to the texture of the women’s clothing and the background landscape. The charcoal provides structure and definition, particularly in the figures' faces and garments. Notice the rendering of their traditional dresses and headscarves. These details suggest a connection to the land and to a rural way of life. The choice of these materials is itself significant. Pastels and charcoal are relatively accessible and inexpensive, making them suitable for an artist capturing the everyday lives of ordinary people. There is a sense of immediacy to the work, suggesting the artist captured the scene quickly. In doing so, Malyavin elevates the everyday to the realm of art, blurring the lines between high art and the artistic traditions of the Russian people.