Anton Arkhipov’s original painting “In the Money,” which is at the Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery in La Jolla, was created to express the excitement and richness found at the Del Mar racetrack. The painting portrays the mood at the races using a variety of colors, poetic lines and harmonies.
“When we asked Anton to create a piece of art specifically for the racing season, he painted a piece that not only captures a moment at the races, but the moment of celebration,” said gallery owners Jonathan Gal and Lisa Jacobsen.
The composition is entertaining between the jockeys, each in a specific color running their horses nose to nose, the racing crowd on pins and needles wondering which horse will be the winner, the horn blower, and the ladies hat embellished to signify opening day inside the Del Mar Pavilion.
The son of a family of artists that goes back generations, Arkhipov’s broad training began at an early age in Russia. His father, a great influence, was a well-known dissident artist. Arkhipov graduated with honors from the Surikov College of Fine Art in Moscow. Through many years of schooling and rigorous training, he brings a high level of creativity to his work. During his time in the former Soviet Union he heard stories of freedom and dreamed of being an American. His dream came true and for many years he has enjoyed the artistic freedom in America that he never takes for granted.
Arkhipov’s artistic expression entices the eye with impeccable composition, masterful drawing, alluring texture and stunning color. His art celebrates an inspired side of life. Playfulness, love and joy are commemorated in his imaginative world.
“I am painting the joyous, universal soul of us all,” Arkhipov said. “The figures in my work glow with vitality. They are full of abundance and imagination.”
Arkhipov is one of the top- selling artists at The Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery.
“We have had a wide variety of his work for over 10 years,” Gal said. “Since his work is represented in a select number of galleries across the country, he is very much in tune with the local area and what people are interested in.”
Arkhipov has created paintings with themes such as hot air ballooning, the wine country and baseball.
The Contemporary Fine Arts Gallery is located at 7946 Ivanhoe Ave. For information, call (858) 551-2010.