Girls are Walking by the River, 2025

Suprunchuk Yuriy  

AAA5477

The Oil painting on Cardboard titled “Girls are walking by the river" captures a poetic and timeless moment, blending the innocence of rural life with the grandeur of nature's scenery. The composition draws the viewer first to the fragile wooden bridge that extends across the dark, reflective waters of the river. Its planks, uneven and weathered, seem almost precarious, yet it is this very imperfection that speaks of its authenticity, a creation born of necessity and human hands rather than artifice. Walking gracefully across this bridge are two young girls, dressed in simple garments of soft tones. They carry vessels, likely meant for water, a gesture that evokes a sense of routine, tradition, and the quiet rhythm of country life. Their presence gives life to the landscape, serving as a bridge themselves between nature and human existence. The river, rendered in deep blues, greens, and reflective patches of light, is both mirror and mystery. It captures the soft glow of the surrounding fields and the sky above, while its darker depths hold a sense of secrecy and silence. At the edge of the water rests a small boat, painted in tones of red and green, tethered yet idle. It waits like a silent companion, hinting at journeys across the river or perhaps fishing expeditions, its stillness contrasting with the delicate movement of the girls above. The vegetation along the riverbank grows untamed, in shades of green, gold, and hints of lilac, weaving a tapestry of colors that complements the calm mood of the scene. In the distance, a cluster of houses with bright red roofs adds warmth and human touch to the composition, while a solitary church with its white walls and tower rises with dignity against the horizon. It anchors the village, suggesting faith, tradition, and continuity, a quiet reminder of spiritual presence in daily life. The sky above is layered with dramatic strokes of gray and muted tones, suggesting an atmosphere charged with anticipation, perhaps of rain or an approaching storm. Yet within this tension, the scene remains serene, for the figures of the girls and the quiet river affirm a sense of resilience and peace. The texture of oil on cardboard is particularly powerful in this work. Bold, expressive strokes create the lush greenery, while softer, layered applications bring out the reflective depth of the river. The contrast between the solidity of the land and the fluidity of the water is heightened by the tactile nature of the medium. Each brushstroke carries intention, whether in the gentle folds of the girls' garments or in the lively yet unrefined strokes of the natural landscape.