The painting "Trained" was inspired by William Harnett's paintings "After the Hunt" and "The Pipe",
which I first saw in the De Young Museum in San Francisco, CA.
It was a real discovery for me!  I admire Harnett's exquisite technique and the arrangements of his still Lifes where the simple objects of life become a subject of a painting. William Harnett worked in the late 19th century.  Even though his works became very popular with audiences,  the art world of that time rejected his paintings;  the subject was too simple and boring.
Nevertheless he is considered one of the founders of American Trompe de l'oiel Still Life painting.

In this style the subject of the painting is painted so real that a viewer is confused: Is it real or painted? Painted or real?  William Harnett challenges not only viewers but artists too!  Looking at his painting, contemporary artists can not help but to ask: how he painted this piece? What was his technique? What kind of brushes he used?   Is it possible to achieve his level of realism nowadays?  All these questions I asked myself: Can I achieve the same effect in my painting "Trained".  To paint so real, that a viewer wants to pick up an object from the canvas.  And you will be the judge.  Actually the whole name of my painting is "Trained or When Pinocchio grew up".

Do you remember the children's novel "Adventures of Pinocchio" by Carlo Collodi?  The novel about a wooden puppet who could become a real person if he can be brave, truthful and unselfish.  Did you ever ask yourself what became of him when he grew up?  This painting might tell you about his life.  Every object of this painting is a piece of personal life as well as a part of history.  Simple objects painted on canvas become symbols of life.  The military dog tags, drafting compass, old glasses and a one dollar bill still keep the memory of touches and can tell about the character of their owner.  Back to Pinocchio!  He, in our story,  actually became US Air Force Officer, got married, worked hard and had four kids!  He never failed at the promise to be brave, unselfish and truthful!  The transformation from childhood to adult is a subject of "Trained".  After learning all the important things in life we need to find the key
and open that neglected door to our real self and enter the world where the sky is so blue and the flowers so big.