Artwork Review
1. Review by
Véra Kempf
Ludmila Budanov’s collection "Depth" showcases an impressive array of technical skills, especially in her use of color, texture, and composition. Her technique of layering paint to create luminous effects is particularly striking. This method captures the ethereal quality of underwater scenes, allowing light to penetrate through the layers and creating a sense of depth and realism that draws the viewer in.
Budanov's color palette is thoughtfully chosen to reflect the natural beauty of marine life. Dominated by realistic hues of blues and greens, her paintings effectively portray the underwater world. She also adds vibrant shades to depict corals and seaweed, injecting dynamism and life into her work. The use of color is not only realistic but also emotionally evocative, transporting viewers to the serene, otherworldly environment of the ocean.
"Mirage II"
(collection "Depth")
Technical Review
Artwork Review by Véra Kempf
The shapes in Budanov’s paintings, from delicate corals to undulating seaweeds, strike a balance between realism and abstraction. This approach adds a dreamlike quality, making the viewer feel as though they are floating in a fantastical, submerged world. Her compositions are well-balanced, with a careful arrangement of elements that guide the eye smoothly across the canvas. Each scene is meticulously framed, ensuring that every part of the painting contributes to the overall narrative.
Budanov’s technique of using many layers of paint creates a rich, textured surface that enhances the depth and realism of her underwater scenes. This method gives her work a tactile quality and allows different colors to blend and interact in complex ways. Her soft and fluid brushwork mimics the gentle movement of water and the organisms within it, demonstrating her deep understanding of her medium and subject matter.
The size of Budanov's works is perfectly suited to their intended impact. Large canvases create an immersive experience, enveloping the viewer in the underwater world. The use of oil paints, known for their versatility and vibrant colors, further supports her ability to layer and create depth. Her choice of medium and process reflects careful consideration of how best to convey the beauty and complexity of marine life.
Overall, Ludmila Budanov’s technical skills are impressive and significantly contribute to the success of her "Depth" collection. Her masterful use of color, shape, texture, and composition not only brings the underwater world to life but also encourages viewers to think about the importance of preserving our oceans. Her works are decorative and modern, holding a powerful message that makes them well-suited for galleries and collectors who appreciate both aesthetic beauty and environmental consciousness.
Artistic Review
Artwork Review by Véra Kempf
Ludmila Budanov's portfolio shines through her use of large canvases. The expansive size of her works immerses viewers in the underwater themes she explores, making them feel enveloped by the marine world. This scale, combined with her skillful technique, makes her pieces ideal for display in marine institutions with the space to showcase their full impact. However, her art's appeal goes beyond these venues, making it a strong candidate for various galleries and collections.
One standout piece that exemplifies her strengths is "Mirage II." This artwork captures an abstract feel that subtly blurs the line between reality and a dream, evoking an uncanny sensation. The viewer is left to ponder whether they are submerged underwater or drifting in a fantastical dream. The use of color in "Mirage II" is particularly striking, enhancing the ethereal and enchanting quality of the piece. This thoughtful use of color not only highlights Budanov's technical prowess but also creates a captivating atmosphere that leaves a lasting impression.
In "Mirage II," the interplay of abstract forms and realistic textures showcases Budanov's ability to blend different artistic elements seamlessly. The soft brushwork and layered paint technique add to the sense of depth and movement, making the viewer feel as if they are part of the underwater scene. This painting, like many others in her collection, brings forth a feeling of enchantment, inviting viewers to lose themselves in its beauty and complexity.
Véra Kempf
Founder of SINGULART
Véra Kempf is a cofounder of Singulart, an online art gallery aimed at connecting artists with buyers across borders. Véra is passionate about allowing others to experience the emotional power of art. Singulart offers everyone the opportunity to live surrounded by original pieces of art that resonate deeply. Véra is driven by the mission to empower artists and transform the art market into a more inclusive and accessible space.
2. Review by
Kelsey Zalimeni
Colour is well understood and the palette is mixed to a very detailed range- along with its application in these compositions to achieve contrast & depth.
Shapes are organic and naturalistic, with soft edges & implying study of underwater life - as they imply some movement and suspension like views of reefs do.
Texture in the literal sense, from paint application to the surface, does not look very prominent (no thick impasto passages; instead it looks blended and thinly applied). Texture from the artist's use of colour and form, is present with an underwater life essence (soft fronds, banks of organisms like coral or plants swaying in the current).
Framing and composition are well understood, as the elements to each piece are balanced and carrying the eye around the entire surface from the starting focal point.
Crustacean Games
(Under Water)
Dynamic abstraction
(My Galicia)
What is the strenght of the portfolio?
Artwork Review by Kelsey Zalimeni
The top works in the portfolio to me, are "Crustacean games (under water....., 4/27/23)" and "Dynamic abstraction (My Galicia, 11/19/23)".
"Crustacean games (under water....., 4/27/23)" - the warmth of the palette and how it's broken by tertiary colour (mixing green into the orange & red) give satisfying and believable depth. The colour choice is unexpected for the subject matter, which is its strength- since many marine works tend to be purely cool colour palettes which is very literal.
"Dynamic abstraction (My Galicia, 11/19/23)" - there is depth created here also, and this time using the 'conventional' palette of cool colours & rendering shapes that resemble the coral reefs and sandy clouds found underwater. The hazy passages add a sense of mystery and bring the eye around the whole surface, from area to area.
Kelsey Zalimeni
Operations Project Manager at Almine Rech
Kelsey Zalimeni is an experienced art market professional, currently working at Almine Rech, one of the most prestigious galleries in the world. With nearly a decade of experience in prestigious galleries across London and Paris, she has developed a deep understanding of gallery operations and the art market. Her knowledge of exhibition planning, artist representation, and market trends makes her a valuable resource for artists looking to navigate and succeed in the competitive gallery scene.
