THE FIRST SNOW. Valeriy Shmatko

This striking painting captures the magical moment of the first snowfall in the Carpathian Mountains. The vibrant oranges, golds, and earthy browns of the trees stand proudly against the backdrop of soft purples and cool blues, marking the transition from autumn to winter. The distant mountains, painted in a palette of soft lavender and violet, create a serene and majestic horizon, while the pale blue sky hints at the crispness of the mountain air. The snow, fresh and untouched, blankets the ground with shades of white, pale blue, and lavender, subtly reflecting the colors of the sky and mountains. The artist’s use of thick, impasto brushstrokes brings the landscape to life, conveying the texture of the trees and the crispness of the snow. The play of light and shadow across the snow-covered terrain creates a dynamic, almost shimmering effect, as if capturing the fleeting beauty of the first snowfall.