Russian fairy tales. Journey with the artist Konstantin Prusov

When I woke up in the morning and stretched on the ledge of the stove, I pulled the curtain aside and saw a glorious scene: angels enjoyed Pentecost day. They made such loops in the air so I could feel light wind coming from them.

Being noticed by me they became quiet and put on a look of decency as guests should look. It was so wonderful so I wanted to hug each of them.

I thanked them for decorating my Grandmother's house with birches: it was tradition in Russia on this Holy day. Even cat Boniface liked such decor so he fell asleep on the organic rug.

It is Pentecost today! 2011. Canvas, oil. 60x70 cm

It's time to welcome guests!

Do not think that angels would come to your house so easy. You should invite them!

The table is set just for this occasion. We can see guests in the window – they seem to be in good spirits.

Grandfather rushed to meet them and arranged the stools. Grandmother decorated the table – red cloth and a little oak in the pot will please travelers.

I am at my easel again and hope I paint this magical meeting in time.

It's time to welcome guests! 2012. Canvas, oil. 80x80 cm

Marfa and a waxwing

A waxwing Styopa brought Marfa news. Of course she will not reveal her secret. But one thing is clear – the beauty is obviously happy, Styopa brought good news.

Look at her golden hair, heavy face features. Fairy tale! And what painted headscarf she has: its contrast shades draw attention to Marfa.

There is a cozy panorama of Russian village behind her back: modest houses sheltered in the hills by the river and in the distance – a wooden church looking at the surroundings. Beautiful!

I'll tell you the secret – I painted Marfa inspired by Mona Lisa and Vladimir Mother of God.

The beauty quickly estimated my concept and gladly posed for me. «My portrait will remain for centuries, – Marfa thought, – if only the artist could become famous during his lifetime».

Marfa and a waxwing. 2020. Canvas, oil. 100x80 cm

At the samovar

The golden samovar rules a tea party – it looks as if the sun is visiting the room. It is standing on the painted tablecloth which is turned into a precious pattern by the artist's brush.

And what a dress a beautiful girl is wearing – such dresses are worn in fairy tales! Its bright floral ornament protects its owner from evil spirits.

A clumsy young man in blue bloomers obviously makes the beautiful girl happy, she loves observing him and asking unexpected questions.

And it seems that scene is depicted by a child or a peasant who paints stoves in the houses because it is too kind and naive.

At the samovar. 2011. Canvas, oil. 90x75 cm

Exposition fragments. Personal exhibition «Shrovetide». Siberian Art Space, Novosibirsk. 2020

Entry of Christ into Jerusalem

It's very fascinating to regard objects in the hut. Some of them have folk pictures inside: humorous and wise.

Here is Christ or maybe an elder? I look into his eyes and see the Universe…Have I ever thought about this in those fabulous days? Maybe this painting stores more knowledge than contemporary scientific papers do?

I think it was painted by a child: with such love he depicted the sage entering the house as though he met his own father.

Entry of Christ into Jerusalem. 2011. Canvas, oil. 95x80 cm

A Parisian in the village

Sophie Dubois, the French artist made a decision to visit her Russian friend Marfa. Her road has been long but she did not feel sorry about spent time for the sake of friendship.

Interesting, she was eager to see Russia, more accurately, Russian hinterland: stories about hospitality of the local people, about their traditions, colorful fashion and wide open space attracted her soul.

And there she is. Local children are looking friendly at their guest while men are playing an accordion.

Marfa is examining Sophie's wide-brimmed hat, such a novelty amongst the local fashionistas! Perhaps, after this trend of all French spread through Russia.

A Parisian in the village. 2020. Canvas, oil. 90x80 cm

Matryoshkas

Main Russian fashionistas are matryoshkas!

And here is the collection of them: six beauties great and small. The First one holds a rooster; the Second one has missed someone and looks away; the Third one looks at us in surprise holding close the wheat sheaf and the sickle; the Fourth Matryoshka has a cup in her hands and obviously loves tea; the Fifth one is very tiny and holds baby doll; the Sixth Matryoshka is in someone's hand and smiling surprisingly – she doesn't want to miss her hen!

Matryoshkas love to pose for their audience – it's more fun, and what a background – pure embellishment!

Matryoshkas (Six dolls). 2019. Canvas, oil. 90x80 cm

Holy Family

Posing in a photo studio is a kind of occasion and in those days it was also very expensive.

But this modest family decided to take a memorable photograph after all – they had a baby, very long-awaited! They did not own any finest clothes, they spent money on a photographer.

So, they were given the instruction – to look into the camera and not to blink. A young man proudly keeps his back straight hugging his beloved wife. The baby is so secure, his Mother and Father delicately protect him – he even managed to fall asleep in such a rush.

The snapshot is taken but what a miracle – the baby in the photo has a yellow halo, the color of the sun and God highlighted him for a reason. The parents were so happy, the miracle happened to them the second time!

This painting was created likewise: the characters developed their personality on canvas miraculously. I wanted to look at them like at the stars in the endlessness of space…

The Christmas photograph (Holy Family). 2012. Canvas, oil. 95x80 cm

Epilogue

Every time creating a new work, I have an incredible feeling. It's like you open the door to a fantasy world which mysteriously remains on paper, on canvas or encrypted in letters. I try to analyze these creative revelations but I don't find a definitive answer.

Maybe all this is the hint from dearest angels…