Mykhaylo Berkos

A Ukrainian and Russian impressionist painter of Greek origin. He created oil and watercolor paintings mainly in the landscape genre. Having accepted the ideas and to a certain extent the technique of European Impressionism, he created paintings on themes of Ukrainian and Russian nature, often using colorful architecture and multi-figure plots in the composition.

Key ideas:

– Throughout the entire creative journey of Berkos, the main theme of his art was Ukrainian landscape, its features and the special nature of the vegetation. The master loved to depict nature in the moments of its wild bloom and crop ripening. Therefore, not only just lilacs or poppies could become the “hero” of his painting, but also a bluish-blue-gray cabbage.

– The paintings of Mykhaylo Andreevich are notable for the complete well-thought-out composition, the special delicacy and freshness of color. A smooth enamel-like smear, green rich in color shades and rich flowers give the painting an underlined decorative effect.

– Following the principles of Impressionism, in his paintings, Berkos demonstrates following of the postulate, “there must be traces of how it is made.” To achieve this effect, the master uses a roundish, dot and dense stroke, creating a flickering, visually shaking surface. At the same time, the sunlight, even if it is diffused, shines through the under-light with a light-air background.

– One of his key ideas was an easy improvisational manner combined with the general impression of elegance and dynamic movement in the canvases, in which figures were depicted. Landscape painter Berkos is a recognized admirer of the “manor” culture, depicting the nature of provincial Ukrainian cities and villages with a high accuracy.