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 then moves forward. From the darkest parts of the picture 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. However, her love for architecture and travel takes around the globe.

“Golden Gate” is Liudmila Kondakova’s tribute to architecture and modern marvels. As a true iconographer of the city, she brings forth a highly detailed view of the San Francisco bridge. Color is also a strong element in “Golden Gate”. Deep blues are mixed with purple and light blue. Liudmila Kondakova describes her style as Romantic Realism, and she adds meticulous attention to every detail that allows the viewer to become intimately involved in the life of her paintings. “Golden Gate” is a 7 x 9-inch lithograph on paper.