Martin Lawrence Galleries

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 she 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. Paris is a city that Kondakova has portrayed time and again in her work, and its architecture has inspired many of her works.

“Chateau de La Loire” is part of a 2006 collection of miniature lithographs produced as a comprehensive homage to Liudmila Kondakova’s dedication to the faces of cities. It amply demonstrates her wit, knowledge of art and the depth of her world travels. True to centuries of printmaking tradition, great pride was taken during the production of these prints. Liudmila Kondakova extensively participated in the entire printmaking process. The printer, Art Estampe, has been uncompromising in taking the many essential steps necessary to ensure that these works are faithful to the artist's vision.

“Chateau de La Loire’ depicts a chateau that is part of the architectural heritage of the historic towns of Amboise, Angers, Blois, Chinon, Montserau, Nantes, Orleans, Saumur, and Tours along the Loire River in France. The Chateau as depicted by Liudmila Kondakova illustrates Renaissance ideals of design in France. The scene is enhanced by Liudmila Kondakova’s highly detailed brush. Her love for French architecture shines through. The snow in the artwork ad’s an enchanting element to the composition, and the purple, blue skies bring forth the mood of the art and the artist. Chateau de la Loire is a 3.25 x 4- inch, hand-signed lithograph.