Lithuanian artist creates country's largest oil painting, a 'Sketch for a Garden of Love'

Lithuanian artist Sigitas Staniūnas has set a new national record with his monumental oil painting, "Sketch for a Garden of Love." The artwork, measuring an impressive 5.4 meters in length and 3.5 meters in height, covers a total area of 18.9 square meters, making it the largest multi-layered oil painting in Lithuania.

The "Record Academy" organization officially recognized the achievement. Unlike many large-format artworks that often carry militaristic themes, Staniūnas's piece is a symbolic representation of a "garden of love." The artist's intention was to create a sketch that inspires a broader perspective on life and delves into the truths of existence, rather than something overly defined.

The canvas for this expansive work was sourced from Chicago and is specially woven with additional threads to maintain its elasticity for large-scale projects. "Sketch for a Garden of Love" is on display at Vilnius Teachers' House from July 11-14. Sigitas Staniūnas is a renowned Lithuanian painter whose works have been exhibited globally, with pieces held in collections by figures such as Hilary Clinton, Sting, Bruce Willis, Jacques Chirac, and a Japanese prince. He is known for his unique technique, often painting with his hands and blending classical Italian and Dutch traditions with Asian methods and modern technology.