A family workshop "Paint Like Shishkin" was held at the National Centre RUSSIA

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On January 12, the National Centre RUSSIA hosted the educational family workshop "Paint Like Shishkin," the third in a series of large-scale educational events as part of the project "Masterpieces: The Best of Russia." A total of 150 people took on the role of painters, including families of participants in the Special Military Operation, members of the Movement of the First’s "Relatives-Loved Ones" community and the youth movement "Yunarmiya," as well as guests of the National Centre. The project is organized by the National Centre RUSSIA in cooperation with the Ministry of Culture of the Russian Federation.

"The primary mission of the National Centre RUSSIA, as outlined by the President, is to promote our traditional values and unique cultural and historical legacy. 'The Masterpieces: The Best of Russia' project was created to highlight the uniqueness of Russian art, as we truly have much to be proud of. Here, we talk about talented Russian artists whose works amazed the world, bringing fame to their homeland. I am very pleased that more and more people are joining us with each workshop, which means we are on the right track!" said Anastasia Zvyagina, Deputy Director General of the National Centre RUSSIA. 

Art historian and curator of educational programs at the State Tretyakov Gallery, Natalia Anyk, shared insights into the life and work of Russian painter Ivan Shishkin, one of the most renowned landscape artists of the post-reform era, who created more than 800 paintings. His boundless love for his Fatherland was a driving force behind his life and creativity. 

"When Shishkin was in Germany for an internship, his popularity there was astonishing, and some of his works were even acquired by the Düsseldorf Museum. However, the artist himself, despite this apparent recognition, found the German landscape to be ‘almost disgustingly cleared’ and deeply longed to return home. Eventually, after three years in Europe, he submitted a request to end his internship and come back. From that moment on, Shishkin never left his country again, channeling all the strength and power of his talent into depicting his native landscapes," Natalia Anyk remarked. 

The second part of the event featured an art master class led by Yelizaveta Andriyaka, senior lecturer at the Sergei Andriyaka Academy of Watercolor and Fine Arts. Participants attempted to recreate the snow-covered pine from Ivan Shishkin's famous painting "In the Wild North" (1891). The lone pine, standing on a barren rock amidst the snowy darkness, is illuminated by the soft glow of the moon. It seems that in the infinite realm of cold, nothing alive remains. Yet, despite the snow, wind, and frost, the tree continues to grow and strengthen, offering a profound example of resilience and vitality. 

Participants created their own interpretation of the pine on blue-toned paper, using white and black pencils — much like how Shishkin began crafting his masterpiece.

"For any major painting, an artist first creates a drawing, and the Tretyakov Gallery occasionally exhibits the sketch that Shishkin made for this piece. It was also drawn on toned paper with white pencil, just like what we’re doing now as we learn to draw in Shishkin’s style," Yelizaveta Andriyaka explained.

For the first time, a master class within the framework of the "Masterpieces. The Best of Russia" project was complemented by a cultural program. As a special Christmas gift, the Church Choir of the St. Seraphim of Sarov Church presented a vibrant literary and musical composition dedicated to the festive season of Svyatki (Holy Nights). 

The new project "Masterpieces. The Best of Russia" was launched at the National Centre RUSSIA on November 24. This initiative aims to promote Russian art and strengthen family values. As part of the project, master classes dedicated to the works of renowned Russian artists Karl Bryullov and Viktor Vasnetsov have already taken place.

More photos from the master class can be found at the link.