My Father Anatolij Pokalo: A Legacy in Layers

The Heart of the Family. The Soul of the Artist.

This portrait of my father, Anatolij Pokalo, is a deeply personal endeavor—a journey of remembrance through every brushstroke. Originally captured in a vintage photograph from 1973 when he was a student, this piece brings a moment of his youth back to life, just one year before I was born.

The Art of the Vintage Reference

My father specifically requested this 1973 photograph for his portrait. To honor that era, I have used a specialized Dry Brush Oil on Canvas technique. This allows me to capture the soft, nostalgic texture of a vintage scan while introducing the depth and permanence of oil paint.

• Medium: Professional Oil on Canvas.

• Technique: Dry Brush—a meticulous process of using very little oil to create soft, hyper-realistic gradients and lifelike textures.

• The Story: Based on a high-resolution scan of a heritage photo to preserve the fine details of his character and spirit from a pivotal time in his life.

A Growing Legacy

This portrait is designed to be one half of a pair. Inspired by the process of painting my father, I have also begun a companion portrait of my mother from the same year. Together, they represent a “homecoming” through art—a tribute to the two people who shaped my creative journey.

Product Specifications

• Technique: Dry Brush Oil on Canvas.

• Artist: Yulia Pokalo.

• Theme: Heritage, Family Legacy, and 1970s Nostalgia.

• Status: In Progress (Final layers to be completed on-site during my next visit home).