Infinite Landscapes by Irena Kononova

The Afterglow
Irena Kononova
oil, sand, marble dust on canvas

Award-winning Russian-born artist Irena Kononova has recently given Chemers Gallery nine new works. They traveled over mountains and through the snow to get to us, and they now grace our walls with a dignified serenity. Ranging in size from very large (68" x 48") to very small (10" x 8"), Irena's new paintings are beautiful interrpretations of the landscape as reflected by the sea and sky, perhaps through foggy windowpanes. The Afterglow shows a distant shoreline, sparingly dotted with warm lights, making you think of the sea after a storm has come through. Her use of light and color draws you into her painting until you become a part of it.

Waterways # 2
Irena Kononova
oil, sand, marble dust on canvas

Irena paints using a variety of materials on her large and small scale canvases and boards, which gives each work a richness of texture that changes from every angle. Her images are somewhat abstracted, which leaves them open to interpretation and lets you see what you want to see. These paintings are evokative of autumn days, snowy tundras, and distant seas leading into infinity. Waterways #2 resembles a stand of trees in a blazing glory of gold, reflected in a silent pool of water. The light present at the top of the painting gives a wonderful twist, making you question which is the true reflection.

Irena's small works are striking when used in a series or grace any small space with their charm.

After growing up and attending art school in St. Petersburg, Russia, Irena immigrated to the United States and attended the Pennsylvania Academy of Fine Arts. She has won numerous awards and scholarships, and has exhibited her work nationwide, as well as internationally.

You can see more of Irena's beautiful paintings on our website, or come into the gallery to see them in person!

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