Forest
This painting by Valentina Petrova is a captivating portrayal of a forest, capturing the spirit of nature through a unique play of light and shadow. Petrova, known for her sensual approach to landscapes, uses thick, rich brushstrokes to convey the depth and texture of the trees. The dark tree trunks evoke a sense of coziness and tranquility, which contrasts with the vivid greens and yellows, bringing a freshness and life to the scene. The painting is done in an Expressionist style, visible in the energetic application of paint and bold color contrasts. This technique allows the viewer to feel present in the forest, as if standing among the trees. Petrova’s art, blending realism and abstraction, makes her work appealing to collectors who appreciate emotional power and sophistication.
Valentina Petrova
Graphic artist. In 1948 she graduated from the graphic arts faculty of the Repin Institute, defending her thesis with distinction on illustrations for V. Gorbatov's book 'The Unconquered'. Since 1948 — a member of the Union of Artists of the USSR. Since 1968 — Merited Artist of the RSFSR. She worked at Leningrad publishing houses and participated in exhibitions from 1950. She began working as an illustrator at Detgiz while still a student, and from 1950 created books in co-authorship with her husband at various publishing houses. She also had a lithographic studio where she created many autolithographs, including the 'Blockade' cycle of 1985, part of which she donated to the State Museum of the History of St. Petersburg. The large-format sheets of the cycle are a synthesis of impressions from the blockade years in a large compositional form and complex tonality. The composition 'Lecture on Art in an Air-Raid Shelter, Winter 1942' is particularly notable — it glorifies the heights of the human spirit, conveying the emotional authenticity of a time when deprivation and hunger could not prevent people from believing in beauty. Awards: Certificate of Honor from the Presidium of the Supreme Soviet of the RSFSR for creative work in book art, 30 April 1966. 1965 — Gold Medal at the Sholokhov competition at the Leipzig Exhibition. 1969 — First Prize of the Union of Artists of the USSR for a series of works about Lenin.