Secrets of the Forest #1 (2025)Mixed-media painting by V+V Kniazievi

“Secrets of the Forest” is a deeply personal piece inspired by memories of peaceful life before the war in Ukraine. It reflects the quiet happiness of early mornings spent in the forest with family — long walks with a husband through misty paths, searching for mushrooms and wild berries, listening to the living silence of nature.

Those journeys always began at four in the morning, before sunrise, when the forest still held its breath and the first light had not yet touched the trees. Arriving early meant becoming the first to discover hidden mushrooms, carefully growing among roots, moss, and fallen leaves. These moments were treasured — entire seasons dedicated to gathering, wandering, and simply being together in nature.

The ritual lasted deep into late autumn and even early winter, when oyster mushrooms could still be found, sometimes growing directly on trees. This artwork carries the feeling of that time — a symbol of warmth, family connection, and the quiet joy of a life that felt complete and safe.

🎨 Color Palette & Tonality
▸ Dominant tones

Deep indigo, charcoal blue, and graphite shades — representing the depth of the forest, shadows, and early pre-dawn hours.

Soft blue-gray layers — morning air, mist, and distance between trees.

▸ Natural balancing tones

Warm creams and muted beige — the first hints of light, calmness, and memory.

Gentle green-gray hues — moss, bark, stone, and the organic rhythm of woodland landscapes.

▸ Accent colors

Fine copper, terracotta, and earthy red lines — symbolic “veins” of the forest, roots, and the hidden energy of nature.

Light neutral highlights — subtle breath and movement within the composition.

Overall tonality: calm, grounded, contemplative, with an emotional undercurrent of nostalgia and warmth.

🖌️ Brushwork & Technique

Expressive, impressionistic brushstrokes create emotional movement rather than literal description.

Layered applications of paint build depth, similar to layers of forest soil and memory.

The contrast between large abstract forms and delicate linear elements suggests branches, roots, and unseen natural pathways.

From a distance, the work reads as a cohesive landscape-like rhythm; up close, it reveals intimate textures and spontaneous gestures.

🌲 Narrative & Atmosphere

Theme: memory, nature’s quiet conversations, and the happiness of ordinary rituals.

Mood: peaceful, reflective, intimate.

Emotional tone: nostalgic yet alive — like remembering a place that still exists inside you.

🏡 Recommended Interior Spaces

“Secrets of the Forest” works especially well in interiors that embrace calmness and natural materials:

✔️ Modern minimalist interiors
✔️ Scandinavian or Japandi spaces
✔️ Eco-inspired homes with wood and stone textures
✔️ Living rooms and relaxation zones
✔️ Creative studios or reading spaces
✔️ Boutique hotels, wellness studios, or spa environments

It pairs beautifully with warm lighting, natural fabrics, and earthy textures, creating a grounding and emotionally comforting atmosphere.

Materials used:

Acrylic inks, pastel sticks, graphite,i nks, sprey, varnis

Details:

• Mixed-media painting on Canvas
• One of a kind artwork
• Size: 200 x 100 x 3cm / 200 x 100cm (actual image size)
• Ready to hang
• Signed certificate of authenticity
• Style: Abstract
• Subject: Abstract and non-figurative

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