Victor Klimenko is a Virginia-based oil painter who creates small realistic scenes with elements of impressionism. Victor’s art aims to capture “the good times” in our lives — memorable experiences and fleeting moments, with notes of thankfulness and nostalgia for things past and hopeful anticipation for what the new day may bring.
As an artist, Victor is especially drawn to scenes of peace and tranquility in nature and domestic life, creating deliberate, multi-element compositions anchored by the presence of faithful animal companions, and scenery that may include waterscapes from beach vacations and lake outings, woods adorned in autumn colors, a cozy house during a snowstorm, or the splendor of a backyard filled with azaleas in full bloom. Victor likes to emphasize the play of sunlight as a symbol of Divine presence and hope. He creates art simply to evoke in the viewer warm, positive, hopeful feelings and inward reflection on things that truly matter in life — all of which is much needed in our modern world.
Victor has been inspired by American Impressionist artists like Frank Benson, Edmund Tarbell, Daniel Garber, and, of course, their French counterparts. Other influences include Russian realist painters of the late 19th century (“peredvizhniki”), artists of Western European Romanticism, and Dutch “Golden Age” Baroque painters of the 17th century.
Born and raised in Soviet Russia, Victor comes from a dynasty of scientists and doctors — one that also includes at least two professional painters, as well as a number of talented amateurs. Since his early childhood, drawing has been Victor’s main hobby and pastime. Having moved to the U.S. after college, Victor had a long career in science and technology. In 2017, Victor embarked on a journey to study oil painting, which has led to producing multiple artworks a year on a variety of subjects, participating in the local art scene, and winning best-in-show in juried art exhibits in Middleburg and McLean.
You can see more of Victor’s work on Instagram at @victorklimenkoart and DM him for potential commissions or to purchase his art.
