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 the essence of an autumn forest with vibrant and varied hues. It depicts tall, thin trees that stretch upwards, their trunks painted in realistic browns and grays, marked occasionally by rough, white strokes that suggest the texture of bark. Underbrush in shades of green covers the forest floor, punctuated by patches of golden yellow and orange leaves that highlight the arrival of fall. Light filters through the tree canopy, creating a play of shadows and sunspots that add depth and life to the scene. The foliage is dense, yet there are pockets where the forest opens, inviting the viewer to explore further into the wooded landscape. The impressionistic style allows for a blend of colors, where brush strokes are visible, giving the scene a dynamic and organic feel.
