Martin Lawrence Galleries

About the Work

Liudmila Kondakova’s first childhood memories were all bright color: reds, blues, greens, yellows, and whites. She recalls that her first persistent question to the adults around her was “What color is this”? Painting absorbs Kondakova’s whole being. If she is not painting, she is thinking about her current or future projects. Days when she does not work, she considers lost. Liudmila Kondakova painted with egg tempera for many years. It is an unforgiving technique. If you make a mistake, you have to start over. Through this process, she learned planning and discipline, and uses those skills to create highly detailed paintings of her favorite cities, places, and spaces. She starts painting from the farthest background area, and she works forward. From the darkest parts of the painting to the lightest, as if she is bringing her composition from darkness to light.

“Fontainebleau” is part of Liudmila Kondakova’s Chateaux series which is comprised of “Chambord,” “Chenonceau,” “Esclimont,” and “Fontainebleau.”

“Fontainebleau” is located 34 miles southeast of the center of Pairs, in the commune of Fontainebleau, and it is one of the largest royal chateaus. The chateaus served as a residence for the French monarchs from Louis VII to Napoleon III. The medieval architecture of the chateau is the focal element of the artwork. Liudmila Kondakova’s love for architecture is evident in all of her work, and in “Fontainebleau’ she remains true to her talent, and her body of work. The snow surrounding the castle, the deep blue sky, and the moon give a sense of magic to the artwork. The light within the villa, give us a festive feel making this artwork a beautiful holiday season gift, and in addition to any collection. “Fontainebleau” is a 16 x 23 – inch hand signed serigraph on japon.