In the sunset light (Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra) 1973

Yuriy Khymych made this vibrant painting of the Kyiv-Pechersk Lavra using oil on canvas. Khymych's technique is immediately apparent. Look at the bold outlines and flat planes of color. The way he applied the paint gives it a tactile quality, each brushstroke contributing to the overall texture. The use of oil paint is significant here. It allowed Khymych to build up layers of color, creating depth and luminosity. Oil paint also has a slow drying time, which gave him the opportunity to blend colors and create subtle gradations. The materiality of this painting, its very substance, plays a crucial role in its impact. Khymych's craft elevates the scene beyond a mere representation, infusing it with a sense of atmosphere, history, and the hand of the artist. This work reminds us that the materials and the making process are integral to understanding art, blurring the lines between craft and fine art.