Noon 1917

Kuzma Petrov-Vodkin made this scene of rural life using oil on canvas. Looking at the composition, what immediately strikes you is how the oil paint has been applied; he's used thin washes, almost like watercolour, to create depth and texture within the landscape. His handling of this traditional material moves away from conventional methods of painting, creating a feeling of vitality and capturing the essence of Russian rural life. He isn't striving for photorealism, instead, he uses techniques in the handling of oil paints to evoke a sense of everyday life. The visible brushwork enhances the texture of the scene, adding to the authenticity of the narrative, and there is no attempt to disguise the labour involved in the production process. By making these choices, Petrov-Vodkin creates an engaging artwork that bridges the gap between traditional fine art and the artistic value of ordinary labour.