Still life with flowers and watering can 1947

David Burliuk made this painting called Still life with flowers and watering can, with oil paint, and I imagine, a loaded brush! I love the way he’s built up the painting’s surface with tons of small colourful dabs. Look at the watering can: all those juicy daubs of silver, white, and pink, sitting happily in the midst of greens, yellows, and reds. I can imagine the artist outside, on a warm day in a field, trying to capture the light as it shifts across the flowers. It must have been a challenge to get the balance between the can and the blooms just right. There's a feeling of generosity and abundance that makes me think of other painters like Van Gogh, who let their feelings and vision pour directly into the paint. Burliuk's painting feels like a vibrant, sun-drenched celebration of colour and life. It makes you want to pick up a brush and join the conversation.