German Melentyev is one of the most prominent Ural artists of the mid-20th century. He studied under the renowned artists Nikolay Feshin and Pavel Benkov. Nikolay Feshin took inspiration from Ilya Repin’s teaching approach — the visual demonstration method. The method went as follows: a teacher gave a brief theoretical explanation of the technique and, if the students did not understand it, demonstrated it by drawing in pencil or paints.

A good way to understand German Melentyev’s artwork is to explore the manner of painting of Nikolay Feshin. He adopted Repin’s technique of realistic depiction: he spent a long time observing nature, painting many studies and sketches, and trying to achieve accuracy of portraits. At the same time, Feshin painted with exceptional ease. The artist did not like smooth brushwork, so he painted in broad strokes. With their rapid and dynamic strokes, the general feeling of effortlessness, and the unfinished appearance, Feshin’s paintings were reminiscent of Impressionism.

The painting ‘Hockey Player’ by German Melentyev is a vivid example of the painter’s artistic manner inspired by Feshin. The artist managed to combine the energy and lightness of Impressionism with the detailed accuracy of realism.

Melentyev painted the “Hockey Player” in 1936. The artist created a memorable image of a young woman by using colors boldly and freely. The optimistic atmosphere is conveyed by capturing a fleeting and energetic moment.

Melentyev portrayed a strong and emancipated woman. At the same time, she is also amiable and charming. These traits were highly valued in the USSR, and many artists, including Deyneka and Samokhvalov, devoted their paintings to such women. Unfortunately, it is unknown who posed for the painter.

This portrait of the woman created by Melentyev has become iconic in the Ural art history, being one of the most expressive and unforgettable images of 1930s Soviet art. Nowadays, this work is often reproduced and mentioned by art historians.