Gitas Markutis is acknowledged in the modern art world as a creator of contemporary landscapes. His artwork often showcases locations across Lithuania, many of which are easily recognizable to viewers. Yet, Markutis possesses a singular ability to portray these places in such a way that they at first appear unfamiliar, prompting viewers to rediscover the scenes through his artistic vision.
He finds inspiration in the subtle allure of Lithuanian nature, recognizing that not every sight is visually striking by default. Markutis has observed that imagination is essential for elevating ordinary views into captivating works of art. He candidly discusses the difficulties involved in creating, emphasizing that not every painting is an instant triumph, but persistence is a vital part of his practice: "In painting, sometimes you win, sometimes you lose, but I always try to win back."
A defining feature of Markutis’s work is his method of breaking landscapes down into geometric shapes, incorporating decorative contour lines alongside bold color contrasts. Even when he chooses more neutral and natural shades, he modifies their proportions to create a novel effect. His compositions frequently present a harmonious relationship between natural scenery and elements of human achievement, such as architectural structures, allowing both historic buildings and nature to enhance each other's splendor.
The most striking aspect of Gitas Markutis’s paintings is his lively, expressive brushstrokes, which convey a gentle motion reminiscent of a soft breeze. His imaginative approaches to composition also present viewers with unexpected viewpoints, at times verging on the abstract. Through this blend of technical skill and creative vision, Markutis invites viewers to experience familiar landscapes through completely new perspectives.
About this artwork+
The painting visually narrates a vibrant montage of mountainous landscapes. Swirling hues, strategically placed, portray rugged mountain peaks that pierce through wide swatches of white, suggesting either cloud cover or possibly snippets of snow. The mountains themselves are a mélange of deep brown and intense red, interspersed by an almost mosaic-like treatment of black shadow areas, giving the formations a textured, dynamic feel. Encircling the mountains is a verdant expanse, depicted in bold streaks of green, denoting the lush, possibly forested terrains that typically skirt such elevations. Along the foreground, these green tones merge into amber and ochre patches, possibly to indicate meadows or paths bathed in the sunlight. Overhead, the sky is rendered in serene sweeps of light blue, its calmness contrasting with the energetic, almost tumultuous mountain scene below. The application of paint is thick and expressive, suggesting a sense of movement and raw natural beauty.
