Extraordinary... with a Life of its Own...

My last BLOG discussed the work of the Russian painter, Andrian Bersenev (1963- ) and how his certain "style" resembles the Impressionists', but has something more to offer, something "new" and exciting.

Last night I could not exactly put my finger on it, though came very close.

There is an "aliveness" in his work, a freshness of course, though as said before, the feeling one receives when gazing at his work, is as if you are in present time with the painter, seeing through his eyes at the model or Still Life in front of you.

Although "Impressionistic" in style, which I have always refered to as looking through an unfocused lens of a camera, in Bersenev's work, the "style" is similar, but the "spirit and energy" of his paintings are dramatic, whimsical...Real.

To quote a tired old cliche, "The painter's paintings take on a life of their own - the energy remains, and startles viewers' because it is a work of genius.

An artists' creation can indeed take on a life of it own.

Representation of the world is a curious enterprise, a scribes job is to record, a photographers job is to capture a scene in all its reality, and the painter, the true artist does the same, the difference from mediocre and pure genius, is the beauty and energy of the work itself.

As said before, Impressionism has always left me somewhat cold, however this Russian has ignited thoughts and feelings of what ART is really all about.

This painting is titled "Natasha": her expression is alluring.

Art can and does have a life of its own...I'm sure of it.