David Davidovich Burliuk Ukraine, New York (1882-1967) Portrait of Woman with Black Hat Pastel and charcoal on paper Signed lower right. EX: ACA Galleries, New York Biography from the Archives of askART: The following information has been provided by Anthony Capodilupo, who with associates, is preparing a Catalogue Raisonne of the work of David Burliuk. PERIODS : 1. His early Russian period up to 1918. 2. From 1918 - 1922, which was spent in Japan, Siberia and Canada. 3. From 1922 - 1941, the New York period. 4. From 1940s - 1960s in Hampton Bay / Long Island. STYLES : 1. Early impressionism 2. Embryonic abstract 3. Futurism 4. Cubism 5. Expressionism 6. Folk symbolism [Lubok influence] 7. Realism 8 Symbolism 9 Radio style 10 Fauvism In many of his works, he incorporated two or more styles in a single painting. Also, Burliuk had a habit of repeating some of his early works, often 20-30-40 years later, as he memorized many of the paintings that he did whilst still in Russia and couldn't bring with him to the USA. Slightly confusing for a laymen is that for some reason, Burliuk dated those new versions with the date that he painted the originals. Burliuk was unique in that he was one of the rare artists who introduced many different styles into a single work with the intention of creating a look and composition that is absolutely balanced. SUBJECTS : Landscapes with no figures Modern Compositions Complex cubist - futuristic subjects Russian scenes with peasants Still life (the sea) Still life (interiors) Portraits, often of his wife Marusca Portraits of friends Interiors with samovar(s) and cat(s) Balalaika players Harbor scenes Town scenes Views from various countries MATERIALS : Burliuk used all types of materials, especially with his more modern abstract works, when he often used old pieces of wood and metal objects. The majority of time, he used small artist canvas boards for his Russian style subjects and for the larger paintings, especially still life, he favored burlap and canvases. In some cases he would use wooden panels and masonite boards. SIGNATURE : His early signatures are in Cyrilic with the letter 'U' written in Russian as I-O- Burliok. There are some signed just Burlik. His Latin alphabet signatures are distinct with exaggerated letter 'L' usually slightly longer at the top or the lower end, below the rest of the letters. Usually, the signatures are in red, black, white and sometimes red and white together and in very thick layer. Burliuk sometimes named the places he painted together with the signature on the lower left or lower right side of the painting, and also the dates. Only on rare occasions he signed or inscribed on the back of the artist boards or panels. TECHNIQUE : Burliuk often used very thick impasto paint; in some cases, on his larger works, if one stands to the side of the painting, it almost looks like a relief. Occasionally he would use a palette knife but most of the time, favored the brush, probably medium and large sizes and applied with zest and boldness. There is always certain spontaneous fluidity in his oeuvre. However there are many of his works which are painted with a thinner and softer palette, and though his choice of colors is usually strong and vivid, some of the landscapes, with no figures, are softer and with pastel tones. 12" x 9", 19 3/4" x 16 1/4" (frame)