Nikolai Karyakin (1921—1990) spent most of his life in Kaliningrad, although he was born far from that area in a small town of Sursk. He studied first at the Penza Art School, and then, having returned from the war, at the All-Russian State Institute of Cinematography in Moscow. Although Karyakin was a production designer, he was most interested in easel painting. The artist’s work was probably influenced by one of his institute mentors, Yuri Pimenov, who was recorder in the history of art as a realistic impressionist. Karyakin and Pimenov are akin in their optimistic attitude and lyrical interpretation of the topic of labour.

The formation of the artist was in the years of Khrushchev’s thaw, when the innovative decisions of the master were no longer persecuted as before. Although Karyakin’s work was not experimental, he was guided by the traditions of Russian realistic art. The artist’s worldview was also influences by his military experience – he painted many works in the spirit of heroic realism.

After graduating from the institute Karyakin was assigned to work in Kaliningrad. There he managed not only to fulfill his creative potential, but also to become one of the leaders of the local branch of the Union of Artists and to do a lot for the development of the regional art sphere.

Fresh Breeze is a bit out of the line of Karyakin’s works glorifying the hard work of ordinary sailors. In the sixties, he travelled through the Kaliningrad region and watched local working people, many of whom became heroes of his paintings. But this landscape is inspired by nature, not by labour feats.

Karyakin liked to create his own paintings out in the nature. He had the chance to visit many parts of the region and feel the character of these places.

The painting Fresh Breeze depicts the village of Morskoye on the Curonian Spit. It looks like a cozy place where life is very ordered and slow-paced. Karyakin conveyed the conciliatory atmosphere of a summer sunny day in blue, ochre, and green tones. The painting is imbued with lyrical mood, and according to the artist’s plan, it calls for us to feel united with nature.