As I looked at Mr. Ivchenko's paintings for the very first time I felt an instant connection with them. There is a certain mystery about them achieved with the colors and subjects Mr. Ivchenko uses. For example the first painting here presented "The Princess with the head-ornaments" is a painting that is absolutely magical; it is enchanting.
The presence of the medieval style is undeniable. There is also a lot of Russian folklore involved. The background of the painting is done very precise, telling us that Mr. Ivchenko is knowledgeable and experienced painter. As a matter of a fact the whole painting looks almost like a drawing. It reminded me of the famous manuscript illumination (calendar) "Les Tres Riches Heures du Duc de Berry"-"January" drawn by the Limbourg brothers in 1413-1416. The background of Mr.Ivchenko's painting looks like a stained glass; like a window of one of many medieval churches. Also, one can notice that the surface of the painting is actually shiny, as if the light comes through that imagenary window.
The princess herself has beautiful skin color. Her bright skin color is such a contrast to other darker colors in the center of the background. The color of her skin is even more accented by bright red color that covers her neck, partially her head and the ornament that comes out of her helmet. Her lips are also red. This red color seems to dominate the painting.
There are many details that are very cleverly done. For example: the raer of her helmet (with the colors of blue and purple) is the same color as the centar of the window in the background. The red that I previously mentioned appears on her face and sticks out of her helmet. This ornament ends in such way that it touches the red sequence of small details appearing on the frame of the background “window”.
There is also a geometrical connection present. In all four corners of the painting there is that same geometrical symbol that matches the one in the middle of the painting.
Mr. Ivchenko's work is truly unique and thought out. Unfortunately, the photos of his paintings don't do them justice; there is so much more to them when it comes to texture.
In the next painting, however "King Rotbart with his Queen", one can see that the figures are more frontaly portrayed, evoking the byzantine style. The colors are again so amzing.
I would highly recomend seeing his works in person, as I had the chance. His works are exhibited and can be seen upon request in the Artwork Gallery, Speyer, Germany (www.artwork-speyer.de).


                                                                                                                                                                    Marija Jovanovic

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