The year 2020 is declared "THE YEAR OF FOLK ART". In the history of Lithuanian culture the sphere of traditional culture has become the object of particular attention for the first time. Various folk art events organized in our country are becoming increasingly important, which means that the Realistic Painting Competition differs significantly from the previous ones. It is included in the Government Programme of Cultural Activities under the theme "The Year of Folk Art” designed by the Ministry of Culture.
Antanas Žmuidzinavičius' name encouraged folk artists to preserve an art style that focuses on making pieces look realistic and true-to-life, which is a major factor for the evaluation criteria and selection process. Seventy seven folk artists submitted up to 2 paintings of different types of painting techniques and styles. Most of paintings are painted in oils or with acrylics. A few folk artists present watercolour and pastel paintings. The Collection consists of 154 art works of various forms and styles. It is surprising to see how creative painters understand reality in its purest form. Most painters put the most captivating and enthralling pieces of nature on their canvas. They rely on their imagination and the first burst of impression they get. Some painters re - create a scene and make it their own in a very personal way, using symbols and easily distinguishable details. A strong interplay between colours creates different moods. They evoke the feeling of serenity and excitement, coldness and warmth, inquisitiveness and sadness... Painters particularly like to depict the scenes of “Golden Autumn" and "Sunny Summer", when vibrant colours become the means to attract the attention of visitors. Just a few painters choose to depict snowy winters. It is the most challenging season, since it does not satisfy artists with a passion of colour. However, gifted painters employ their experience and the knowledge about the properties of colours. A few artists present architectural scenes. For some painters these scenes become essential background composition, while for others - colour mixing and matching, as well as focusing the attention on conveying different moods. In paintings depicting wooden village farmhouses artists usually choose the following: 1) a farmhouse serves as a detail of the depicted scene; 2) an ancient building is an important part of composition - a significant colour space; 3) a farmhouse occupies almost the whole area of the painting surface, while the landscape covers only portions of the background. On the basis of this Painting Collection a written analysis should be presented about the role of the water basin depicted in the landscape.
Despite some difficulties that emerged while organizing this Competition, the enthusiasm of folk artists did not fade - the number of participants exceeded all expectations. The first competition was held in Kaunas in 2006, the second - in 2011, the third - in 2013.The Competition demonstrates the importance and relevance of the theme to society and its vitality in the future.
Jonas Rudzinskas
The Chairman of the Folk Artists' Society (LTS)