Female Image 1967

Hryhorii Havrylenko created this portrait of a woman with oil on canvas. I can see the painting slowly coming into being, with the paint applied in so many little strokes. I feel a lot of tenderness in this painting. I can imagine Havrylenko, with his brush, building up these little planes of color – pink, grey, black – carefully mapping her face and giving her dignity. There is something so moving about the vulnerability of the subject and artist here, both caught in this act of making and seeing. Look how Havrylenko's gentle touch defines the planes of her face and brings her to life. The painting isn't trying to be slick; it is not trying to impress anyone with skill. I feel that Havrylenko wanted to show this person with love and respect. He reminds us that painting can be a beautiful way to see and feel the world.