There is not much information about the wonderful Russian landscape painter Viktor Bykov, his biographical data are very scarce, and his personal life is completely hidden. However, lovers of fine art can judge the author’s inner world by his works, because only a person who loves his native land, its nature can create such beautiful paintings.
In the article, we will introduce the reader to the well-known facts of Victor Bykov’s life, present some wonderful paintings, hand-drawn by the master. You will have an idea of the drawing technique, liveliness of the image and feel the emotional spirit of the author, which is clearly visible in every landscape.
Brief information
The artist Viktor Bykov, the author of a huge number of paintings depicting the Russian forest, was born in 1958. From an early age he loved to draw and began to seriously get involved in painting at school. After her graduation, I realized that creating paintings is the only lesson that really interests him, that he wants to paint all his free time. Parents also agreed with the choice of the son, so Viktor Alexandrovich enters the Chelyabinsk art school.
After his graduation in 1980, he did not immediately enter a higher educational institution, but only after 8 years of reflection. For further studies, he chooses the prestigious Moscow State Art and Industry Academy named after S. G. Stroganova, for the sake of which he is moving to the capital.
From 1988 to 1993, Viktor Bykov attended classes and studied with the best teachers of the country, who immediately realized the presence of the undoubted ability of his student. Therefore, already in 1993, he took part for the first time in the exhibition "Young Artists", which was organized in the capital of the Republic of Belarus, Minsk.
Now the author of the landscapes lives in the Golden Ring of Moscow, in the outback, on the outskirts of a wonderful forest, which is the main inspiration for the artist’s unusually lyrical paintings. Nowadays, you can admire his creations at personal exhibitions. Private collectors are interested in his works. Pictures are stored in the Chelyabinsk Museum of Art and Ethnography, in the Stavropol Gallery. Many works were exported abroad, and now they are stored in private collections in Germany, France and America.
Winter forest
Spectators, who first saw the paintings of the artist Viktor Bykov, plunge headlong into the magical world of the Russian forest. In his landscapes, the realism of the image is surprisingly combined with some kind of fabulousness.
It seems that this is a frame from old Soviet cartoons, and Grandfather Frost and his Snow Maiden are about to leave for the sleigh, talking animals and the Snowman will appear. This causes emotion from childhood memories and literally comes the feeling of lightness and airiness of the image.
With all their hearts, the audience feels the author’s unusual love for the beauty of the Russian forest, a careful attitude to the majestic nature. His paintings are filled with light, freshness of frosty air, the harmony of winter nature.
White birch trees
Although most of the artist’s paintings depict pine, spruce and plane trees, there was a place for the symbol of Russia - white birch. Oil paintings by Viktor Bykov come to life in front of the viewer. I want to enjoy the landscapes for as long as possible, it is not at all surprising that collectors are buying up the master’s creations in their private collections.
The soul creates images of light trunks, it seems that most recently we were there, walked in tall grass under the green crowns of forest beauties. The bright, as if the grass shining in the rays of the sun attracts glances. The distant perspective of an empty field is visible. It becomes clear that early autumn is depicted when the foliage is still green, but the crop has already been harvested and the grass has turned yellow in places.
Peace of mind
The following picture makes you wonder what season it is depicted on it. Under the bright rays of the sun, the whole image shines so much that it seems that snow is lying on the ground.
However, looking up, you understand that there is still a lot of greenery on the trees. This is an amazing quality of Viktor Bykov - to make the picture literally glow, creating a sense of extraordinary calm in the soul of the viewer.
The play of light and shadow
In many of the paintings by the author, one can consider how the sun's rays pass through the thickness of the dense crowns of trees, partially illuminating the forest with their gentle light.
Part of the picture is still dozing in the dusk, and the other half of the forest is already enjoying the first rays of the sun. The image comes to life right before the eyes of an amazed spectator, who is already waiting for the appearance of a red deer who wants to bask in the morning sun.
Even landscapes depicting the winter forest amaze with warmth, betraying the author’s positive attitude, his bright feelings and love for the nature of his native land.
The popularity of Bykov's paintings after a close acquaintance with them is quite understandable, because these are particles of beautiful nature and good mood, conveyed by the author with a brush and oil. I want to admire the artist's creations again and again.