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The following article originally appeared in THE VILLAGER on May 15, 1986. It was written by Jo Cole. It is printed with permission. Photos courtesy of the Lominago family. Metropolitan Club features Russian painter with special technique "Lev Lominago is a master at painting Russian icons, an ancient art brought to Russia from Byzantium. It implies a representation of holy personages or scenes depicted with fine draftsmanship and the use of subtle colors" - Jo Cole
He was born in Sverdlovsk, Russia. Later, he and his family moved to Leningrad where his talent was recognized. He began studies at the Art Studio in the Leningrad Pioneer Palace. In 1955, at the age of 11, Lominago's extraordinary talents were his entrance to the prestigious Academy of Art School for Specially Gifted Youth. He continued his formal studies at the Leningrad Art Institute. It was in 1965, under the tutelage of the Abbot of the Perschersky Monastery near Pskov, that Lominago began to covertly study the art of icon painting, using the technique of egg tempera and pigment. This process that Lominago learned, and still practices, involves preparing a detailed realistic drawing, then flooding in the background colors. Employing the oil painting system of working from dark to light, Lominago builds up a series of transparent glazes, refining and refreshing the painting till it reaches the desired rich, but subtle, coloration and depth. He likens the method to sculpting -- working first with the flat image and building up forms. It is a technique that inspired Lominago to say that he was "reborn...never to paint in the modern a'la prima oil style again." Because of the years of persecution for the spiritually influenced paintings, Lominago, his wife Nathalia and their daughter Alina, sought emigration to the United States. With the assistance of the International Rescue Committee, the family arrived in New York in 1974. Lominago's reputation preceded him and soon after his arrival he was contacted by the Reverend of the Denver All Saints Russian Orthodox Church, 3274 E. Iliff Ave., to paint a series of icons for the church. The project took more than two years to complete.
Lominago favors the egg tempera medium, and he parlays that detailed technique into compositions which include still lifes, landscapes, portraits and folk art. His portraits include such famous people as Red Miller, Pavarotti, and Rostropovich. Lominago's self-portrait is a complex composition depicting his persona as the central figure, surrounded with the important images in his life: the meeting with his wife; their marriage; his sojourn at the mosastery; and Handel, because, Lominago says, "He had the spirit of a painter." Lominago's brush strokes interpret Russian folklore with clarity. Color, detailed draftsmanship and imagination bring to life the legend of "General Bear." On canvas the bear is seated in the troika (horse drawn sled) and the viewer is drawn into the fantasy of flight. Denver quickly received Lominago's work. Alpha, Saks Fifth Avenue, and DeColores galleries display his paintings. Russian folklore paintings are now part of the collection at the Metropolitan Club in Greenwood Plaza.
Today, Lev Lominago says he is producing a more graphic, a more minimal painting. This next burst of energy may respond well to the tedious egg tempera technique, but Lominago can't count on it. The disease has taken a toll over the past 20 years; the last attack affected his hands. Sometimess Lominago says he has to lie down, and "When I am able to get up, I am not on the same level. I cannot do the fine work I like. Now I feel better and I will try to work because this is my life." The tall slim figure is slightly bent; the hair and beard are tinged with gray; the eyes are compassionate; the smile is kind. The name Lev means lion and Lev Lominago has that spirit. The talent, humility, sincerity, and spiritual strength -- the essence of the man - are the stirring forces in his paintings.
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With courtly old world courtesy, Lev Lominago quickly apologized
for wearing his hat in my presence, but explained it was to shield his eyes from the
light. It is a funny hat with a cut-out crown and a playful montage of paintings
splayed around it. Light is irritating to Lominago's eyes because he has multiple
sclerosis, a debilitating disease that, at times, makes it difficult for the artist to
paint.
