Description

Title: Oil painting Portrait of a priest Oleksandr Gukalov

Description: NoAAA5554

The Oil painting on Plywood titled "Portrait of a priest" depicts a powerful and deeply evocative portrait of a religious elder, whose solemn yet kind gaze conveys the profound wisdom accumulated through a lifetime of spiritual dedication and human experience. At the very center of the composition is the figure of an Orthodox cleric, dressed in traditional black ecclesiastical attire, crowned with a tall black hat that emphasizes both his religious role and his dignified presence. His long, flowing white beard cascades down across his chest, rendered with delicate brushwork that captures the texture of each strand, suggesting not only the passage of time but also the purity and sanctity often associated with wisdom and faith. The elder's face, though aged, radiates serenity and gentle strength. The artist has carefully illuminated his features, showing wrinkles that are not merely signs of age but rather maps of countless untold stories-moments of joy, suffering, prayer, and perseverance. His lips are slightly curved into a faint, almost imperceptible smile, a sign of inner peace and spiritual confidence. The warmth of this subtle smile softens the otherwise solemn aura, making his presence approachable and deeply human. His eyes, directed slightly to the side rather than toward the viewer, convey a sense of contemplation, as if he is immersed in silent dialogue with something greater than himself. This choice enhances the sacred quality of the portrait, allowing the viewer to feel as though they are witnessing a private moment of reflection. Around his neck hangs a large golden cross, which gleams softly against the dark folds of his robe. This cross is not only a religious emblem but also a central element of the composition, symbolizing faith, sacrifice, and the cleric's life-long service to God and community. The golden tones of the cross contrast strikingly with the deep blacks of his clothing and the muted olive background, ensuring that it stands out as both a spiritual and visual anchor. The inclusion of the cross reinforces the central theme of the painting: a life lived in devotion, a soul carrying the weight and beauty of countless stories shaped by faith.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "Portrait of a priest"
* ARTISTS: Oleksandr Gukalov
* SIZE: 36x48 cm/14.17x18.89 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, plywood
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product

About the artists: Alexander Gukalov
After graduating from Lviv Polytechnic, he was engaged in scientific work. In his free time, he studied the works of Plato, the poetry of the ancient East, and religious works. At this time, resistance to the routine of life and utilitarian science arose in him; he became interested in man and his secrets. Alexander decided to end his engineering career and become a humanitarian. Since 1990, he began to write and publish philosophical poems. Later he decided to devote himself to painting, a passion for which began during his years of study at the Lviv Polytechnic with caricatures and caricatures of classmates and teachers.

Since 2017 he has been painting with oil paints. Alexander does not have a formal art education, but he is convinced that the craft and talent of an artist do not directly depend on professional education. The artist's works are characterized by completeness of composition and depth of meaning. He is not afraid to work with different themes, his paintings are true modern art that touches people. The artist's portfolio includes landscapes and views of his favorite cities, portraits of pop stars, politicians, athletes, relatives, and animals. "I draw a toga when I feel the need for it. Therefore, I cannot say that I work in some narrow direction. Rather, it is a call from the soul," the artist says about himself.

Exhibitions

2011 - Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2011 - Exhibition "World of Jazz", Lutsk

2011 - Exhibition Arts.in.ua, Kiev

2012 - Personal exhibition in the art cafe "Apartment 35", Lviv

2012 - Personal exhibition "On the Waves of Dreams", Lutsk

2012 - International exhibition "Plain Air", West Park Art Gallery, New York

2012 - International competition "Peace, Time and People", special medal of achievements St. Michael, New York

2012 - Exhibition of artists who were included in the K-Gallery catalogue, Kyiv

2012 - International exhibition-competition of contemporary art "Ukrainian Art Week", Kyiv

2013 - opening of a permanent exhibition and sale, Lutsk

2013 - Exhibition "Spring Impressions" of the international art project "Vicious Circle of Impressions", Kiev

2015 - Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2015 - Ukrainian-Italian exhibition "Single Space", Kyiv

2015 - International art project "New York - Tokyo", Tokyo

2016 - International art project "Color in Motion", New York Realism Gallery, first place and Gold medal in the category "Impressionism", New York

2021 - International exhibition "Art Nest Paris", Paris

Additional Information: Framing option available at extra cost. Feel free to inquire.

Reserve: $1,093.00

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