What do you think of when you hear the phrase "a contemporary artist"? I usually imagine something unusual, bizarre, not always clear. What can I say... my relationship with contemporary art is very complicated and confusing :) On the one hand, it is great that it is so diverse, and on the other hand, some things you just want to unsee.

So for me it is always nice to find authors whose works delight and inspire. Today I want to introduce you to the Moscow artist Andrey Shishkin. Basically the author is known for his portraits. Also some works were used as illustrations for historical works and collections of Slavic mythology. In addition, Andrey has repeatedly created murals for the temples. Postcards with his works are published. Another facet of his talent is creation of artistic copies.

The works of this artist can not be called a fashionable term — contemporary art, because it tends to realism and academic painting. And the stories themselves are often classic, but for me the value of art is determined by the emotions that it gives me.

My personal acquaintance with the works of Andrey Shishkin began with the portrait of the Kvasura god, I accidentally found it on the Internet. Kvasura is one of the ancient Slavic gods. He's a great humorist, and is also responsible for hop brewing. He was the first who was taught by the goddess Lada to cook surya, that is honey for drinking. That is the honey that was probably sweet, but there was a slip 'twixt the cup and my lip :) Anyway, I couldn't pass by this charming character and his beautiful smile :) And now I invite you to get acquainted with other heroes painted by Andrey Shishkin.

1. Kvasura (2014).

2. Devana (2013).

3. Koliada (2015).

4. Ognebog (2018)

5. Girl in Russian outfit (2007).

6. Lullaby (2013).

7. Redhead (2011).

8. In a belfry (2009).

9. Tale (2008).

10. Musician (copy) (2018).

11. Dante and Virgil. (2015).

12. Guardsman (2013).

13. Minstrel (2009).

14. Sea wolf (2008).

15. Pirate (2013).

16. Hawking (2009).

17. Naturalist (2010).

18. Hunter (2015).

19. Dentist (2008).