The name Ivan Aivazovsky is firmly associated with the sea in our minds. But today, let's look at him not as a genius of marine art, but as a genius of productivity. Throughout his life, he created about 6000 works – an outstanding achievement.
Let's ponder this: his active creative career lasted approximately 65 years. This means he painted an average of 92 paintings per year, or almost two paintings per week! How is this even possible?
The answer lies in his unique working method, which broke all conventional notions about creativity.
Secret 1: Phenomenal Memory It seems that such authenticity of waves can only be achieved by painting from life. But Aivazovsky worked differently. While still in Italy, he realized that working en plein air didn't suit him. Instead, he would "absorb" impressions, and then, secluded in his studio, recreate the image of the sea from memory in all its minute details. His memory was his primary tool.
Secret 2: Speed and Inspiration The artist said: "I cannot paint quietly, toiling for months. I do not leave the painting until I have expressed myself." This mindset allowed him to set records. Most often, one painting took him no more than 10-14 days, and many masterpieces were completed in a single day! A striking example is the monumental canvas "Among the Waves" (1898).
This is not just any painting – it is his largest work, measuring an impressive 285x429 cm.
Despite its complexity, Aivazovsky created it in just 10 days, without preliminary sketches, relying solely on memory and imagination.
In the next post, we'll examine his signature techniques that allowed him to so quickly "bring the sea to life" on canvas: the famous glazing, the "light triangle," and much more.
With love,
Poppy