
Congratulations to Svetlana Semenova, whose work has been recognized in the monthly PleinAir® Salon.
A PleinAir Salon Spotlight on the Portrait “Arnold”
“The inspiration for my portraits is always a desire to tell a story through my subject,” Svetlana says. “The pose, facial expression, eyes, clothes, background, lighting – all of these elements help to define a portrait, but everything always starts with the model. For ‘Arnold,’ I was fortunate to have a talented model who gave me much to work with. Arnold has a very expressive face, and I was able to capture him with an intent gaze and poise. In addition to his face, the jacket, which has striking gold hints in the buttons and collars, created an overall image of sophistication and seriousness that I was inspired to recreate for the viewer.
“My work is generally rooted in the tradition of representational art, particularly as passed down through the historical lineage of European ateliers and academies, but I always seek to incorporate modern themes. ‘Arnold’ was similarly painted in this style that seeks to unite the old and the new. The work was painted with oils from life over many sessions, and I am very grateful to the actual Arnold for his patience and ability to hold poses for so long!”
Additional Classical Realist Paintings by Svetlana Semenova



Svetlana Semenova is a contemporary artist based in London, trained in the classical realist tradition. She is an Associate Member of the Society of Women Artists (ASWA). Svetlana has exhibited in the United States, Europe, and Russia, including numerous shows at the Mall Galleries in London. She has received several awards and scholarships for her still life and portrait paintings, including from the prestigious Art Renewal Center. Svetlana’s medium is primarily oils and charcoal, and her works include portraiture, still life, and landscape paintings and drawings. Svetlana has completed courses in art and design at Central St. Martins, in academic drawing and painting at the School of Architecture and Design in Moscow, Russia, and she graduated from the London Atelier of Representational Art (LARA).


Connect with the artist at www.svetlanasemenova.com.
About the PleinAir Salon:
In the spirit of the French Salon created by the Academie des Beaux-Arts in Paris, this annual online art competition, with 11 monthly cycles, leading to the annual Salon Grand Prize winners, is designed to stimulate artistic growth through competition. The competition rewards artists with $50,000 in cash prizes and exposure of their work, with the winning painting featured on the cover of PleinAir® Magazine.
Winners in each monthly competition may receive recognition and exposure through PleinAir Magazine’s print magazine, e-newsletters, websites, and social media. Winners of each competition will also be entered into the annual competition. The Annual Awards will be presented live at the next Plein Air Convention & Expo.
The next round of the PleinAir Salon has begun so hurry, as this competition ends on the last day of the month. Enter your best art in the PleinAir Salon here.
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