kb Stavrowsky Oleg-Summertime Oleg Stavrowsky

The canvas presents a scene of quiet repose, dominated by two horses standing in what appears to be a wooded area. The composition is horizontally oriented, emphasizing the breadth of the landscape and the stillness of the moment. Here we see two animals, one a rich chestnut brown and the other a pale grey or white, both saddled and bridled, suggesting recent use but currently at rest.
The artist’s handling of paint is notable; thick impasto creates texture and depth, particularly in the depiction of foliage and the horses musculature. The color palette leans heavily on warm tones – ochres, browns, yellows – which contribute to a sense of heat and languor. Light filters through the trees, dappling the scene with highlights and shadows that obscure details while simultaneously enhancing the overall atmosphere.
The background is indistinct, rendered in broad strokes of muted colors, pushing it further away and focusing attention on the horses themselves. The artist has chosen not to depict a clear horizon line; instead, the foliage merges into a hazy backdrop, creating an impression of enclosure and seclusion.
Subtlety permeates the work. Theres no overt narrative or dramatic action. Instead, the painting evokes a feeling of tranquility and solitude. The horses’ postures – one grazing, the other seemingly observing – suggest a shared moment of respite after exertion. One might interpret this as a meditation on the cyclical nature of labor and rest, or perhaps a reflection on the simple beauty found in the natural world.
The saddles themselves are significant details; they imply purpose and utility, contrasting with the stillness of the scene. They serve as reminders of human interaction with these animals, yet their presence does not intrude upon the overall sense of peace. The signature at the lower left corner is integrated into the composition, appearing almost like another element within the landscape rather than a distinct mark of authorship.

The painting’s power lies in its ability to convey a mood – one of quiet contemplation and understated beauty – through careful observation and skillful execution.