A celebrated Canada-based artist has airbrushed iconic images of Bahrain’s former rulers and captured never-before-seen fine historical details to the stunning pieces, some dating back to the 18th Century.
Pavel Sokov describes his work as ‘impressionistic realism’ as he brings to life on canvas special portraits of royal family members from Bahrain, Saudi Arabia and Jordan.
The award-winning Russian-born artist has recently worked on a commissioned piece of Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, ruler of Bahrain (1869-1932), and last month finished the ruler’s successor Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (1932-1942).
A portrait by Mr Sokov of the late ruler of Bahrain Shaikh Isa bin Ali Al Khalifa, that captures intricate historical details
“It took around 10 hours to create the initial sketches of Shaikh Isa as I had to decide what colours the garments and the background should be,” the artist told the GDN.
“The painting measuring 91.44cm x 91.44cm (36 x 36 inches) was completed in 130 hours as it slowly evolved over time with the right garments that had been discovered in museums and at auctions.
“For example, an historically-correct sword was found and an expert was consulted as I painted it. Old garments were used as a reference point to pick up on the colours and textures of the garments of the subject.”
He explained that hundreds of old photographs were studied for hours to capture the exact historical details in the final oil-on-linen canvas.
Another artwork by the Canadian artist of ruler of Bahrain Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa (1932-1942) wearing traditional attire with Sakhir Palace in the background
Mr Sokov said he closely worked with Shaikh Mohammed bin Salman Al Khalifa for the resource gathering and applauded his client for his passion for the project.
The artist explained that he always focuses on authentic storytelling and every stroke highlights key intricate details.
He revealed that for Shaikh Hamad bin Isa Al Khalifa’s (1932-1942) painting he not only studied black and white photographs featuring authentic garments of the time but also used the Sakhir Palace background to portray the strong bond of the subject to his motherland.
“The painting of Shaikh Hamad was largely the same process. It took 154 hours to complete, including 10 hours of digital painting for creating the colours,” stated Mr Sokov.
“Hundreds of photos were consulted, evidence of garment colours and textures was found, and examples of old garments photographed in modern times were implemented.
“Accuracy was our main focus but the challenge involved meant incorporating historical reality with a composition that was visually pleasing.
“We decided that the painting would have more impact and deliver a richer sense of history if we used a well known and recognisable historical building such as Sakhir Palace in the background to create an emotional connection to the land.
“Even the frame we had custom built for this piece incorporates elements of Bahrain architecture.”
The artist has worked with many prestigious clients including Queen Rania of Jordan, American rapper Rick Ross, and several Fortune 500 corporate clients but Mr Sokov maintains that the feedback of his work in Bahrain is the best so far.
A portrait of Jordan’s Queen Rania painted by Mr Sokov
“The feedback to my historical Bahrain paintings has been excellent so far and makes me overjoyed,” he said.
“There are many more paintings from Bahrain’s history planned already, but I will not reveal who they will be of as of yet.”
The artist stated his interest of traditional cultures and people and representing them in oil portraiture has given him the opportunity to travel around the globe.
“The textures, materials and personalities, alongside their garments and faces, really fascinate me,” he said.
“For similar reasons, I am equally fascinated with bringing history to life, like I have done in Saudi Arabia and Bahrain.
Mr Sokov ... impressionistic realism
“It is a great challenge and honour to take old, colourless photographs and add the missing details, colours and backgrounds to create an accurate historical representation.
“In these cases you have to transport yourself into the past and paint the subject as if he, or she, was standing in front of you.”
Background work, he added, involves research and tracking ancient items at museums or auctions, and asking experts for their suggestions about colours and textures of garments.
“I’m very excited and honoured to be bringing the history of Bahrain to life on canvas in the most accurate way possible.
“The final judgement of these pieces rests with the people of Bahrain, and their approval. That is what makes me most proud,” said Mr Sokov.
For more information visit pavelsokov.com.
sandy@gdn.com.bh
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