Even Realism allows a variety of creative individualty in the art, different manners, styles and personal approaches - the Russian landscape painting has a common ground, traditionally, the patriotic character, and is intended as a declaration of love for the homeland. It aims to capture emotively and with subtle tonalities the poetic beauty of certain natural situations in the course of the changing seasons. The artist must have also an eye for effective moments: the position of the sun during the day, pale moonlight for nocturnal scenes, certain weather conditions. A particular
challenge is the portrayal of natural forces.
In this case an intimate angle can be just as alluring as a gandiose view of broad countryside. One basic rule for all first class landscape painters remains (as often as possible) to work outdoors. An excellent plein air sketch can lead to a significant painting.
