Vladimir Kozhevnikov's paintings immediately capture the viewer's attention primarily with their spontaneous, living power, the charm of direct perception. The artist is able to preserve this initial emotional response to the beauty of the surrounding world until the end of his work on the work. At the same time, the sensual-lyrical beginning is combined in his work with a rational approach to the choice of visual means. The master carefully verifies the canvas structure, logically builds a clear spatial and balanced color composition. The subjects of his paintings can be simple everyday motifs, in which, however, there is always an interest in the transitional states of nature, whether it is a landscape, or the beauty and spirituality of the moment, if a person is depicted. In this respect, the artist remains in a certain sense an aesthete. Kozhevnikov is a very attentive master, and behind the broad and even dashing manner of writing, one feels a lot of work and professionalism, which allows two or three precise strokes to grasp the characteristic outline of the St. Petersburg church, outline the Italian streets illuminated by the sun, and with precise movements to indicate the bent outlines of the backs of grazing cattle. At the same time, the artist does not try to accurately depict nature, gives free rein to the viewer's imagination, thereby allowing him to become a full participant in the work. The master strives to enhance the peculiarity of the chosen motif, sharpening the character of the lines, playing with color contrasts, which allows you to create your own, new reality, which, nevertheless, is very reliable and convincing in its embodiment. The texture of the canvas itself is of great importance for Kozhevnikov. The artist again and again in his works emphasizes the flatness of the picture, thereby asserting its self-worth. The rough, even sometimes raised nature of the canvas surface demonstrates the direct process of the master's work, which can create a deceptive illusion of simplicity of execution. Another world is being created boldly and freely with the help of a mash of colors. It is this life-affirming energy and strength that permeates the art of Vladimir Kozhevnikov, who is not afraid to experiment in his work, which is not only a condition for further professional improvement, but also a path to self-knowledge.
                                                                                                        Irina Evreinova
                                                                                                                    art critic