Family of mushrooms at Dusk (2023)Pastel drawing by Liubov Samoilova

In summer and autumn, various mushrooms thrive in our Ural forests. Since ancient times, mushrooms have been a desirable addition to multiple foods in Russia. After all, mushrooms are a precious protein.
My husband and I also sometimes go mushroom hunting. We recently came across this family of mushrooms when we were relaxing outside the city and walking through the forest. If I'm not mistaken, these are the most valuable and desirable mushrooms. We call them "ceps". Not only are they delicious, but they are also beautiful.
A quiet forest story unfolds on a dark stage: three sunlit mushrooms rise from moss and grass while a tiny snail pauses on the cap, inviting close looking and calm wonder.
Set against a deep, near black ground, the amber caps and pale, textured stems glow like lanterns, creating strong contrast and a sense of intimate evening light.
The composition draws the eye from the tallest mushroom to the smaller pair and finally to the spiral of the snail’s shell, guiding a gentle, contemplative viewing rhythm.
This piece suits reading nooks, kitchen walls, or cottage interiors, where warm natural hues and a serene focal point can soften modern spaces.
Pair with other small still lifes or nature studies to build a cohesive display that balances glow, texture, and storytelling detail.

Materials used:

pastel crayons, pastel paper "Canson Mi-Teintes"

Details:

• Pastel drawing on Paper
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 30 x 23 x 0.15cm (unframed) / 30 x 23cm (actual image size)
• Signed on the front
• Style: Photorealistic
• Subject: Still life

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