Dmytro Hunts, a Ukrainian artist, is celebrated for his evocative depictions of cities and towns, primarily utilizing dry pastel on paper as his medium. Around nine years ago, having mastered this intricate technique—as well as working with oil and watercolor—he turned his attention to painting lively scenes inspired directly by his experiences outdoors. His travels have resulted in landscapes of varied places: Crimea (prior to its occupation), Amsterdam, Paris, London, and several cities across Bulgaria, Spain, and Sweden. Since making Lithuania his home in 2022, Hunts has concentrated on portraying Vilnius and other towns and villages across the country.
As a member of the Union of Ukrainian Artists, Hunts received scholarships in both 2022 and 2023 from the Lithuanian Culture Council, which supports Ukrainian artists seeking refuge in Lithuania. He is widely respected for his rigorous plein air approach, relying exclusively on observation from life—a practice that gives his art a striking vitality. His city scenes stand out for their expressiveness and variety, depicting diverse weather and lighting: sunlit avenues, rain-soaked streets, and fluctuating shadows. Throughout these works, he maintains faithful representations of architectural landmarks such as churches, palaces, and residences. Random figures passing through the scenes add a dynamic sense of time and liveliness.
Born in 1958 in Lviv, Ukraine, Dmytro Hunts attended the Lviv State Institute of Applied and Decorative Arts from 1980 to 1986. In 2005, he became a member of the Union of Artists of Ukraine, and from 2007 to 2010, he served as chairman of the section for painters in Lviv. His artistic achievements include a silver medal at the Archipos Kuindis painting competition held in Mariupol in 2007, and, in 2008, he received a Letter of Honor from the Ukrainian Ministry of Culture in recognition of his contributions to youth and student festivals in Lviv.
Hunts has presented his work in many major solo exhibitions. Notable examples include "From West to East" at the Lviv Palace of Arts (2018), "Paintings, Pastel" at Art 13 Gallery in Lviv (2013), and, together with Igor Zavozin, "Fern Flower" at the Lviv Chamber of Artists (2012). In recent years, his exhibitions have increasingly reflected his involvement with Lithuanian culture—for instance, "Lithuanian Motifs" at both the Molėtai art gallery and Antakalnis Gallery in Vilnius (2022, 2023), and "Urbanist Landscape" at the LDS project space in Vilnius (2023). By participating in plein air gatherings such as "Alaušo Pleneras" in Sudeikiai, Hunts continues to emphasize his commitment to painting directly from life.
About this artwork+
The painting captures a rainy scene on a vibrant, bustling street in Vilnius, set against the backdrop of St. Nicholas Church. In the forefront, various people, clad in raincoats and holding umbrellas of different colors—blue, orange, and dull yellow—walk along the wet, reflective pavement. The church towers elegantly in the background, painted in shades of purple and pink, its spire pointing skyward. The sky above drizzles down in streaks of soft blue and white, suggesting a gentle but steady rain. The light from a traditional street lamp casts a warm glow, contrasting with the cool tones of the rain and the twilight ambiance. Trees, partially bare, sway slightly in the wet breeze, their branches sketchy and blurred, mingling with the hues of the sky and the urban architecture. The expressive, textured brushstrokes evoke a sense of movement and immediacy, immersing the viewer in this atmospheric, historic European cityscape.
