Sketch of the painting Girls on the Volga 1914

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin's "Sketch of the Painting Girls on the Volga" is a preparatory drawing for his 1915 painting, "Girls on the Volga." Created in 1914, the sketch depicts several women in various poses, their figures partially obscured by the artist's free-flowing lines and washes of color. While the composition is reminiscent of the final painting, Petrov-Vodkin's loose style emphasizes the exploratory nature of the preliminary work. The sketch reveals his artistic process and serves as a study for the more refined and detailed final artwork. The watercolor and pencil drawing is characterized by its bold outlines and expressive color washes. The gestural lines and loose composition hint at the artist's signature style, known for its emotional intensity and expressive use of color.