Vaidotas Vankevičius, a painter specializing in portraits, landscapes, and interiors, lives and works in Vilnius, Lithuania. For him, establishing a direct interaction with his subject is vital—he is committed to painting solely from life, purposefully steering clear of photographs as references or tools. This immediate and profound relationship with his subjects brings a distinct authenticity and tangible presence to his artwork.
Motivated by an inner artistic drive, Vankevičius seeks to become the leading realist painter of contemporary Lithuania. He aims to reinvigorate and reinterpret the Lithuanian realism movement by offering new artworks and perspectives. His creative practice revolves around depicting ordinary life, focusing on its people as well as the unexpected moments that emerge within everyday scenes and spaces.
To record fleeting scenes, Vankevičius adopts a swift painting process, frequently finishing his pieces in just one or two sessions. He consistently finds inspiration in the works of masters such as Diego Velazquez, John Singer Sargent, Anders Zorn, and Joaquin Sorolla, regarding their pieces as reference points that fuel his continual development and imagination.
Vankevičius earned a BA in Fresco-mosaic at the Vilnius Academy of Arts between 2016 and 2020 and received personalized instruction from artist Arūnas Jonikas during the years 2017 to 2019. His paintings have been included in both group and solo exhibitions, among them “Near the door” (Curonian Spit History Museum, Nida, 2017), “The stories from memory chips” (Gallery “Akademija”, Vilnius, 2018), and the solo exhibition “Faith” held at Užutrakis Mannor, Trakai, in 2020. In addition, he was selected as one of 100 Lithuanian artists to participate in the 2020 initiative “Menas be stogo” [Art needs no roof] in Vilnius.
About this artwork+
The painting captures an old, majestic archway standing amidst a serene, wooded landscape. Its classical architecture, featuring rounded arches and a textured roof, contrasts with the natural, verdant setting of towering pine trees and dense foliage. The earthy tones of the archway with peeling white paint suggest age and weathering, telling of its historical presence and significance. Splashes of light and shadow dapple the scene, evoking a sunlit day where the quiet of the forest envelops this architectural relic. Off to the side, a smaller, similarly styled structure can be glimpsed through the trees, adding depth and intrigue to the composition. The pathway leading up to the arch invites viewers to wander through and explore this peaceful, almost forgotten fragment of history nestled in nature.
