Igor Barhatkov (Russian) Blooming Garden, 2000, Oil on Canvas, 51 x 41 cm

Igor Barhatkov was born on January 5, 1958. He studied art in Germany in 1986. This gave him inspiration for many of his paintings, although most of them are set in Russia. The painting above is an example of one of his works of realism. It is the most commmon forn of art that he painted. This painting relates to my culture becaue he is Russian. That is also the reason that he is not very weel known. I choose this painting because it reminds me of a peaceful summer day. This may have been the feeling that he was trying to convey because at this time Russsia was not at war and he felt that his country was at peace. Many of Igor's paintings are of nature, things like trees, flowers, autumn leaves, and fields.

I must say, I love this peice of artwork. It brings back so many memories of gorgous, bright summer days when the light is shining through the leaves of the trees at just the right angle so that it makes the small flecks of sunshine dance on the grass. Looking at this painting you get a sense of peace and tranquility. The seeting seems almost laid back, carefree. You can almost feel a warm breeze blowing through your hair. The message here is simple; relax.