Summer holiday 1922

Boris Kustodiev painted this scene probably sometime in the early 20th century with oils, and I just love how it feels like a memory, a fantasy, or a dream. I can almost feel Kustodiev’s hand moving across the canvas, laying down these dreamy blues and greens, and those soft, marshmallowy clouds. It must have been such a challenge trying to capture a fleeting moment of joy and togetherness, the essence of a summer holiday! But he’s done it. The whole thing feels so light and airy, like a warm breeze, and I can feel the artist’s love for the Russian landscape. I am so moved by how his use of color creates this shimmering world. Looking at this, I think about other artists, like Pieter Bruegel, who also painted scenes of everyday life with such incredible detail and warmth. And I wonder, what would Kustodiev think of contemporary painters today? Probably be inspired, and think, let's have a conversation on canvas, across time, and space!