landscape, 1970
This watercolor painting by Valentina Petrova, created in 1970, represents a gentle and contemplative landscape that conveys a sense of tranquility and the vastness of the countryside. The use of watercolor allows for soft transitions of colors and textures that blend harmoniously. The delicate pastel hues of the sky gently fade into the green hills, where herds of cows can be seen, evoking a sense of space and peace. The artist's use of light, transparent strokes conveys the atmosphere of the moment as if the touch of nature is captured on paper. Trees and bushes are depicted with minimal detail, adding an airy and light quality to the scene. The painting evokes nostalgia for untouched nature and simplicity. The watercolor style and masterful use of color make this work appealing to art lovers who appreciate technique and emotional impact. Owning such a piece can be an excellent investment due to its rarity and unique style.
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.