Alexey Petruhyn
Alexey Petruhyn, a leading marine painter from Crimea, was born in 1964 in Nikolaev. From early childhood, he was captivated by the sight of ships coming in and out of the bay, the light reflecting on the water's surface, and the seagulls soaring in the sky. Later, while living in Odessa, he fell in love with the sea, enchanted by the spirit of the ancient city, its winding streets, and sunny beaches, all infused with the aroma of adventure, history, and its unmistakable southern charm.
Alexey often went sailing and continuously sought to express his emotional exaltation on canvas. He would paint for days and nights, capturing the essence of the sea in his work. It’s no coincidence that his paintings are imbued with light; only an artist who has lived by the sea can develop such a radiant palette. An artist who grew up alongside the waves and reflections, spiritually connected to the sea, finds endless inspiration in its ever-changing moods. That is why seascapes are his favorite subject—warm or cold, light or dark; they are always majestic.
His love for painting led Alexey to the Kharkov Academy of Art and Design. Upon graduation, he chose to devote himself to plein air painting—the most challenging yet authentic form of artistic expression. Plein air painting often comes with uncomfortable conditions, but the reward is a profound connection with nature. Working in an environment impossible to replicate in the studio, Alexey follows the Russian Realism School of landscape painting. His works are sincere and raw, devoid of any photographic dryness, rich in color, and remarkable in their precision. Nature itself serves as Alexey's workshop; he travels extensively, exploring every opportunity his "workshop" offers. This is why his works vary so greatly—nature is always changing.
A regular competitor in prestigious national and international exhibitions, Alexey is also a proud member of the Artist’s Union of Ukraine.