Oil painting While reading a book Oleksandr Gukalov

№AAA3234

"While Reading a Book" is an evocative oil painting that captures a quiet, introspective moment. The subject is a middle-aged man, deeply engrossed in reading a book. The painting uses a subdued palette with soft tones and careful detailing to convey the calm and concentration of the reader. The man is depicted with a slightly furrowed brow, indicating his deep focus on the book he holds. His attire is casual; he wears a loose, mint-green shirt, accented with a few yellow brushstrokes that add a touch of liveliness to the overall muted color scheme. A white towel draped over his shoulder suggests a relaxed, perhaps domestic setting, adding to the informal, intimate atmosphere of the scene. The background is minimalistic, rendered in shades of gray and black, which helps to center the viewer's attention on the man's face and hands. The contrasts between the background and the subject are subtle, allowing the figure to stand out without overwhelming the composition. The book in the man's hands is painted with meticulous detail, its pages slightly bent, indicating it is well-read. This detail, along with the man's intense focus, invites the viewer to ponder what kind of book might have captured his attention so thoroughly. "While Reading a Book" portrays a moment of quiet absorption and intellectual engagement. The painting's simplicity and focus on the subject's expression and posture convey a sense of peace and introspection. The viewer is invited to share in this private moment, experiencing the tranquility and focus that comes with being lost in a good book. The use of light and shadow adds depth to the painting, emphasizing the contours of the man's face and the folds of his clothing. The artist's brushwork is both precise and expressive, capturing the textures of fabric and the soft lines of the man's features. "While Reading a Book" is a serene and thoughtful piece that captures the simple, yet profound act of reading. The painting’s quiet elegance and attention to detail make it a compelling study of human concentration and the joy of losing oneself in literature. This artwork invites viewers to reflect on their own experiences with reading and the moments of peace it can bring.

*** ABOUT THIS PAINTING ***
* TITLE: "While reading a book"
* ARTISTS: Oleksandr Gukalov
* SIZE: 35x50 cm/'13.77x19.68 inches'
* MEDIUM: oil, canvas
* HAND PAINTED: Original painting from our collection
* CONDITION: we tried to convey the maximum information with the help of photos about this product

About the artists: Oleksiyander Gukalov
After graduating from Lviv Polytechnic, he was engaged in scientific work. In his free time, he studied the works of Plato, the poetry of the ancient East, and religious works. At this time, resistance to the routine of life and utilitarian science arose in him; he became interested in man and his secrets. Oleksiyander decided to end his engineering career and become a humanitarian. Since 1990, he began to write and publish philosophical poems. Later he decided to devote himself to painting, a passion for which began during his years of study at the Lviv Polytechnic with caricatures and caricatures of classmates and teachers.

Since 2017 he has been painting with oil paints. Oleksiyander does not have a formal art education, but he is convinced that the craft and talent of an artist do not directly depend on professional education. The artist's works are characterized by completeness of composition and depth of meaning. He is not afraid to work with different themes, his paintings are true modern art that touches people. The artist’s portfolio includes landscapes and views of his favorite cities, portraits of pop stars, politicians, athletes, relatives, and animals. “I draw a toga when I feel the need for it. Therefore, I cannot say that I work in some narrow direction. Rather, it is a call from the soul,” the artist says about himself.

Exhibitions

2011 – Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2011 – Exhibition “World of Jazz”, Lutsk

2011 – Exhibition Arts.in.ua, Kiev

2012 – Personal exhibition in the art cafe “Apartment 35”, Lviv

2012 – Personal exhibition “On the Waves of Dreams”, Lutsk

2012 – International exhibition “Plain Air”, West Park Art Gallery, New York

2012 – International competition “Peace, Time and People”, special medal of achievements St. Michael, New York

2012 – Exhibition of artists who were included in the K-Gallery catalogue, Kyiv

2012 – International exhibition-competition of contemporary art “Ukrainian Art Week”, Kyiv

2013 – opening of a permanent exhibition and sale, Lutsk

2013 – Exhibition “Spring Impressions” of the international art project “Vicious Circle of Impressions”, Kiev

2015 – Personal exhibition, Lutsk

2015 – Ukrainian-Italian exhibition “Single Space”, Kyiv

2015 – International art project “New York – Tokyo”, Tokyo

2016 – International art project “Color in Motion”, New York Realism Gallery, first place and Gold medal in the category “Impressionism”, New York

2021 – International exhibition “Art Nest Paris”, Paris

Oleksandr Gukalov