Montenegrin study Yuri Pryadko (г.р.1980)

The canvas presents a harbor scene, dominated by a collection of sailboats moored in calm waters. The composition is structured around a central perspective that draws the eye towards the distant shoreline and buildings nestled against a hillside. Here we see masts rising vertically, creating a rhythmic pattern that extends into the background.
The artist’s handling of paint is loose and expressive; brushstrokes are visible throughout, contributing to a sense of immediacy and capturing the play of light on water and structures. The palette leans towards muted tones – grays, blues, greens, and touches of pink – suggesting either an overcast day or a diffused sunlight filtering through atmospheric haze. Reflections in the water mirror the boats and buildings above, blurring the distinction between reality and its representation.
The depiction isn’t concerned with precise detail; instead, it prioritizes capturing the overall mood and atmosphere of the location. The buildings on the hillside are rendered as simplified forms, their colors blending into the landscape. This lack of sharp definition contributes to a feeling of tranquility and distance.
Subtexts within the painting hint at themes of stillness and contemplation. The absence of human figures reinforces this sense of quietude; the harbor appears deserted, inviting introspection. The boats themselves, symbols of travel and exploration, are anchored, suggesting a moment of pause or respite. The artist’s choice to focus on the interplay of light and shadow evokes a feeling of melancholy beauty, hinting at the passage of time and the ephemeral nature of experience. Ultimately, the work conveys an impression of a place steeped in history and imbued with a sense of peaceful solitude.