Getting to Know Tamara Zhurbina's Unique Perspective
Explore Tamara Zhurbina's distinctive oil paintings. Discover her works 'Poor lamb', 'Play', and 'A boat' available now at Baranow Art.
Every artist has a story. With Tamara Zhurbina, it’s her vibrant brushwork and thoughtful compositions that first caught my eye. Born and raised in a small town, Tamara had an early fascination with visual storytelling. This interest led her to explore art through formal education, and eventually, she transitioned from her roots to establish herself in the broader art community. Her journey may seem typical, but her paintings reveal a distinct personality. They are not just images; they are narratives packed with emotion and quiet intensity.
What drew me to feature her work at Baranow Art Gallery was her impeccable use of color and texture. Tamara’s oil paintings stand out not because they are loud, but because they speak a subtle, visual language. Each painting she creates has its own heartbeat, almost like a living thing inviting the viewer to pause, reflect, and understand its essence.
"Poor lamb" and Its Emotional Depth
One of Tamara’s paintings, titled "Poor lamb", measures 50x50 cm and is done in oil, showcasing her deft hand at using the medium. The title alone suggests vulnerability, and that sentiment is echoed within the brushstrokes on canvas. The painting captures a lamb at rest under a lone tree, and the interplay of shadows and light creates a somber mood.
The lamb, central to the composition, is rendered with a soft, almost ethereal texture. Tamara manages to portray the innocence of the creature as well as a sense of solitude. The background is somewhat abstract, which places more emphasis on the lamb. Perhaps it’s this isolation that grants the painting its emotional weight. I find that "Poor lamb" triggers a sense of empathy, which is quite an accomplishment. Tamara uses a technique of glazing in her oils, where layers of transparent paint are applied to influence depth and tone, giving the lamb a luminous quality. You can see this piece at Baranow Art, where it remains a gentle anchor on the gallery wall.
"Play" and the Dance of Colors
In "Play", 40x60 cm and also executed in oil, Tamara shifts gears. This piece bursts with energy and vibrancy, a stark contrast to the tranquility of "Poor lamb". Here, Tamara employs a broader color palette, creating a scene that crackles with movement. It's called "Play" for good reason: the painting captures the exuberance and unpredictability of a group of children playing hopscotch in a park.
What's remarkable in this painting is Tamara’s use of color to convey movement. Streaks of red, blue, and yellow suggest not only the hurried footsteps but also the laughter and joy of the moment. The strategic placement of each figure, slightly blurred to imply motion, takes us directly into the carefree world of childhood. The background is much more defined compared to "Poor lamb", serving as a lively playground of greens and browns that hints at trees and grass without taking focus away from the figures. Through this dynamic arrangement, she utilizes both thick and thin application of paint, creating both flat and sculpted textures that add life to the scene. Tamara also subtly uses diagonals created by the way the figures are arranged, leading your eye through the canvas in a choreography of shapes and colors. If you’re ever needing a pick-me-up, "Play" is available now for viewing and purchase at Baranow Art.
"A boat" in Quiet Reflection
Finally, there's "A boat", a modest 40x40 cm oil piece that takes you to a distant river scene. Unlike the other two paintings, this one features a serene and somewhat melancholic atmosphere. Tamara has crafted a tranquil setting where a small, wooden boat gently sways on the water’s surface.
The painting is dominated by cool blues and greens that create a sense of calm. Here, Tamara’s technique with oil paints shines through her delicate layering of colors that bring depth to the water and sky. The gentle waves are depicted using fine lines of lighter hues, suggesting a quiet breeze. The boat is painted with precision, yet it doesn’t dominate the scene; rather, it blends into its surroundings as if it's becoming part of the landscape. The reflection in the water is skillfully done, capturing slight distortions that make the scene more realistic. There’s a stillness in the air, and Tamara employs a soft-focus approach to the horizon, where sky meets water, inviting a contemplative pause. "A boat" invites you to reflect on solitude and peace, a pause in the chaos of daily life. This painting is available to view at our gallery, offering a moment of quiet for any art lover.
Studying Tamara Zhurbina’s work has been a pleasure, as it reminds me why I love curating contemporary art. Her background, deeply rooted in narrative and texture, evolves with each painting she creates. Tamara’s versatility—from capturing the simplicity of nature to the exuberance of play—demonstrates her ability to connect deeply with viewers. Each of her paintings presents a story, an invitation to engage not just with the artwork but with oneself. These pieces are not standalone; they play off one another, enriching the gallery space with their diversity of mood and form.
For those interested in acquiring a piece of Tamara’s eloquent narrative art, you can view and buy her paintings at Baranow Art Gallery. These works do more than decorate a space—they become part of your own narrative, much like they have become part of mine at the gallery.
