I painted a view of the fountain in Peterhof while still a student at the academy, and after just an hour of paiting from life, the weather suddenly began to deteriorate and a thunderstorm began. The sketch turned out to be quick and I took the basic color relationships of the stormy sky to the architecture and earth, without working out the details, which gives the integrity of the perception of the image. In crafting this piece with oil, I sought to capture the lively essence and opulent spirit of a grand estate, thrumming with history and elegance. My brushstrokes, loose and expressive in the style of impressionism, breathe life into the vibrant garden and majestic fountain, evoking a sense of serene motion and the fleeting nature of time. This artwork not only reflects regal beauty but also imbues any space with a story-rich atmosphere, inviting contemplation and admiration.