Sunny Day

Oil on canvas, 18 × 12 in
2024

This is one of my early plein air paintings created in California. I painted it after an inspiring hike along the Mission Trails.

This place reminded me deeply of Crimea, Ukraine, and I spent a lot of time there — subconsciously, it made me feel at home. At some point, I began to wonder: what does autumn look like in California? When it feels as if summer lives here all year round, that question stayed with me.

One day, while walking this trail with my daughter, Vasylisa, I suddenly saw it — autumn. Yellow leaves glowing against powerful rocky formations quietly settled into my memory, and an intention was born.

I returned to this beloved trail with paints, an easel, and even an umbrella. Vasylisa helped me set it up, while I stayed focused, gently sorting through streams of sunlight on a fresh canvas.
Plein air painting is always full of surprises. Even the most prepared painter — umbrella included — is often pleasantly surprised when later seeing the work in the studio.

The sun was bright, people were resting nearby, Vasylisa was climbing an old, massive tree, and I was fully present — with reality, color, and light. My body overheated a little and grew tired; carrying everything uphill back to the parking lot wasn’t easy. But we managed.

Today, I simply enjoy looking at this painting. It feels autumnal, warm, and caring. I imagine it living beautifully on a narrow wall, quietly filling the space with light.
And I can’t wait for the moment when the gentle, healing rays of this painting find their own cozy home.