Return of the American Gothic

Description

“This is the continuation of a theme I began nearly 20 years ago in a painting called American Gothic. It was of an abandoned barn I discovered not far from where I lived at the time. When I climbed inside of it, I was struck by its sense of harmony, balance, and solemn reliability – as if I was inside of a cathedral.

That old barn is now gone, but his brother, though also abandoned, is still standing strong reminding us of a tradition when people used to build things with their own hands and rely only on themselves and their faith for their future.” – Alexander Volkov

Located in the heart of Lake Tahoe is the spacious establishment that is the Marcus Ashley Gallery, home to the works of local and international artists. The gallery recognizes the work of the country’s artists as well as overseas talent. Here is where you’ll come across Alexander Volkov art, an exquisite collection of realism paintings.

The artist’s precise, purposeful brushwork, intriguing compositions, and thoughtful themes have made him a master of realism art. As part of a themed series called American Gothic, Volkov used an old barn closer to home as a recurring subject.

In Return Of The American Gothic, the artist paints another abandoned barn not too far from the one he first painted. Volkov animates the elements of this piece in a rich palette of gold, yellow, and brown. The dignified barn rises high as sunlight streams through its windows, aged wood, and door. Bales of hay still lie in heaps around the barn.

There’s an air of solemnity to this piece that draws viewers to the barn’s humble beginnings. An aging structure that still stands strong with its head held high, the barn in this painting offers a renewed perspective on living a simple life built on hard work, determination, and faith.

Return Of The American Gothic captures Volkov’s mastery with light and shadow. This piece and others of the artist are available for purchase at the Marcus Ashley Gallery.