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The technique of painting with oil paints on velvet was invented in China several thousand years ago. Over time, this technology was lost, and the painters who turned to it, by trial and error, tried to repeat the works of ancient masters, because the three-dimensional effect of “velvet” paintings is a truly bewitching sight.

Dmitry Filipchenko of Turkmenistan also discovered painting on velvet. As a professional artist who graduated from the State Academy of Arts of the country, Dmitry painted on canvases and on paper, until a tireless creative search led him to such an unusual style. Along with the new works of the artist, the impressions of the paintings he created also changed.

• For many years I tried to experiment with materials and paints, was looking for new forms and compositions for my canvases, Dmitry tells. - I have read many articles about painting on velvet. It turned out that this style is not new and has deep historical roots with the first mentions of it appeared in China.

Considering Dmitry’s velvet paintings, it is impossible not to admire how voluminous and vivid the images are, whether it be a snow-white winged horse or a portrait of an oriental woman. Thanks to the fleecy texture of velvet, the picture seems to change by itself, gleaming in colors and changing the light intensity. The same image, depending on the angle of view, sometimes takes on new forms and dimensions.

• The matter is that velvet strongly absorbs light, while oil paints, on the contrary, have a high reflection coefficient. Due to this, the paintings look more dimensional, or, as it is now fashionable to say, with a 3D effect, Dmitry explains. - Velvet is not a very cheap material for canvas, but it is very popular with us. National ornaments and scenes from life are perfectly pictured on it.

Painting on velvet is laborious and requires a lot of attention. The noble fabric does not tolerate mistakes. If it is sometimes possible to correct errors on the canvas, then with velvet we cannot take any chances. Brush and arm movements must be brought to perfection. It takes a lot of time to create one picture, but the effect and moral satisfaction from your own creativity cannot be compared with anything.

• My works are exhibited at various creative exhibitions, including art fairs in the Bagtyyarlyk Shopping Center. I have recently taken part in an exposition at the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, and in the near future I plan to go international. Drawings are not transferred to dresses, these are only paintings. Colors on clothes will fade, and pictures are eternal.

Due to the fact that the matte surface of the fabric absorbs light, it reflects only three percent of it, and the oil paint reflects up to 85 percent, the effect of a “canvas glow” from the inside is achieved. And such pictures require special attention and maintenance.

The dust has to be carefully removed from the front side of the picture with a clean pad or mitten made of velvet or flannel. Then the magic of velvet painting can be admired for a very long time.

Selbi CHARIYEVA