The Painting Series of Vladimir Riabinin
The series of paintings presented here depicts the world of the legends of the Third Sun, the ones that came to me during the wanderings of my consciousness through other realms invisible to us.
THE BIRTH OF THE DRUID
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
True druids were born from trees. In fact, they were trees, just of a different kind. These trees resembled humans in many ways, only they were better in every way that mattered. Disillusioned by life among people, druids spent their days searching for the trees they had once come from. That is why they wandered through forests, embracing trees, whispering to them, pleading to be taken back away from the world of humans.
True druids were born from trees. In fact, they were trees, just of a different kind. These trees resembled humans in many ways, only they were better in every way that mattered. Disillusioned by life among people, druids spent their days searching for the trees they had once come from. That is why they wandered through forests, embracing trees, whispering to them, pleading to be taken back away from the world of humans.
THE WORSHIP OF THE SCARLET FLOWER
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
When the scarlet flower bloomed in the ancient forest of Nan Ragun, it was a sign of good luck. But the flower had to be cared for carefully. If it was upset, it might stop bringing blessings to the people on the island. That’s why two of the most talented women were sent to the flower. They sang songs, praising its beauty and strength. Only then could the flower grow strong and full. Just like children, the flower needed kind and true words to help it grow wise and powerful.
When the scarlet flower bloomed in the ancient forest of Nan Ragun, it was a sign of good luck. But the flower had to be cared for carefully. If it was upset, it might stop bringing blessings to the people on the island. That’s why two of the most talented women were sent to the flower. They sang songs, praising its beauty and strength. Only then could the flower grow strong and full. Just like children, the flower needed kind and true words to help it grow wise and powerful.
THE ORACLE OF THE THIRD SUN
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
Deep beneath the surface of Nan Ragun Island, in a hidden cave, lived a creature named Arapag. It looked like a bird but had ten crab-like legs. Arapag slept for many years and only woke up when big changes were happening on Earth. It could see the future and shared its visions with everyone on Earth. But only a few special people, who watched over its sleep, could understand what it said. Through them, Arapag’s messages were passed to those who came to the cave, listening carefully to learn what troubles the oracle warned about.
Deep beneath the surface of Nan Ragun Island, in a hidden cave, lived a creature named Arapag. It looked like a bird but had ten crab-like legs. Arapag slept for many years and only woke up when big changes were happening on Earth. It could see the future and shared its visions with everyone on Earth. But only a few special people, who watched over its sleep, could understand what it said. Through them, Arapag’s messages were passed to those who came to the cave, listening carefully to learn what troubles the oracle warned about.
MADONNA OF THE THIRD SUN
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
There was a time when humans shared the Earth with other intelligent beings—dinosaurs, reptiles, insects, even trees. One by one, these companions departed, leaving humans alone to care for the planet. But they did not do it well. The Earth fell into neglect, and all signs pointed to a dying world. Then, the spirit of the Oldest God appeared to humanity. From this encounter, the Madonna gave birth to the Feathered Serpent—a being who saved both the Earth and its people from destruction. So say the legends of the ancient Tur people, who once lived on the sacred island of Nan Ragun, now lost beneath the sea.
There was a time when humans shared the Earth with other intelligent beings—dinosaurs, reptiles, insects, even trees. One by one, these companions departed, leaving humans alone to care for the planet. But they did not do it well. The Earth fell into neglect, and all signs pointed to a dying world. Then, the spirit of the Oldest God appeared to humanity. From this encounter, the Madonna gave birth to the Feathered Serpent—a being who saved both the Earth and its people from destruction. So say the legends of the ancient Tur people, who once lived on the sacred island of Nan Ragun, now lost beneath the sea.
LADY GODIVA
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
Lady Godiva was a vain and demanding woman. She urged her husband, the local earl, to raise taxes so he could buy her expensive dresses. But the earl refused—he cared for his people and didn’t want to burden them. He told her she already had more than enough clothing, to which she replied that she had absolutely nothing to wear. One day, to shame her husband, she threatened to ride through the town naked if he didn’t buy her a new dress—so that everyone would see and he’d feel embarrassed. But the earl warned the townspeople in advance, and when Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets, all the windows were covered, and no one looked. What happened between her and the earl after that, no one knows. But that’s how the story goes.
Lady Godiva was a vain and demanding woman. She urged her husband, the local earl, to raise taxes so he could buy her expensive dresses. But the earl refused—he cared for his people and didn’t want to burden them. He told her she already had more than enough clothing, to which she replied that she had absolutely nothing to wear. One day, to shame her husband, she threatened to ride through the town naked if he didn’t buy her a new dress—so that everyone would see and he’d feel embarrassed. But the earl warned the townspeople in advance, and when Lady Godiva rode naked through the streets, all the windows were covered, and no one looked. What happened between her and the earl after that, no one knows. But that’s how the story goes.
LEDA AND THE SWAN
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
Zeus was a true master of mischief, delighting in transforming into animals to visit the women he desired. Yet, not every woman appreciated a suitor arriving as a goose or a pig. Such acceptance was rare. So when Zeus met a woman like that, he went to great lengths to win her favor. Leda, however, saw beyond appearances. She understood that what mattered was not how a man looked, but what he could offer. Wise and discerning, she paid little attention to his form. What truly mattered was that he was a god, even though he came to her as a swan.
Zeus was a true master of mischief, delighting in transforming into animals to visit the women he desired. Yet, not every woman appreciated a suitor arriving as a goose or a pig. Such acceptance was rare. So when Zeus met a woman like that, he went to great lengths to win her favor. Leda, however, saw beyond appearances. She understood that what mattered was not how a man looked, but what he could offer. Wise and discerning, she paid little attention to his form. What truly mattered was that he was a god, even though he came to her as a swan.
THE SACRED FISH PISCIS SACER, CARRYING A MERMAID TO SPAWN
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
Mermaids are delicate beings. Like pearls, they are born inside great shells at the bottom of the ocean, formed from the shimmering scales of the sacred fish Piscis Sacer. There they lie in silence, waiting for their time, when Piscis Sacer returns to draw the pearl from its shell and carry the mermaid across the sea to the island of Nan Ragun, where she will be set free. Sadly, nearly all the Piscis Sacer have been caught and eaten, and so, mermaids have become nearly extinct. And yet… from time to time, someone still claims to have seen one.
Mermaids are delicate beings. Like pearls, they are born inside great shells at the bottom of the ocean, formed from the shimmering scales of the sacred fish Piscis Sacer. There they lie in silence, waiting for their time, when Piscis Sacer returns to draw the pearl from its shell and carry the mermaid across the sea to the island of Nan Ragun, where she will be set free. Sadly, nearly all the Piscis Sacer have been caught and eaten, and so, mermaids have become nearly extinct. And yet… from time to time, someone still claims to have seen one.
THE GODDESS ARTEMIS PROTECTS SACRED HYENA
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
In the ancient forest on the island of Nan Ragun lived a sacred hyena. People believed that a single tuft of its fur could cure any illness, even bring the hopelessly sick back to life. And so, they came in crowds, pushing into the forest, chasing the hyena toward the cliffs, tearing the healing fur from its body. But when the hyena lost its fur, it would fall ill itself, collapsing from exhaustion, slowly fading away. To prevent this, the goddess Artemis had to intervene. She drove the people away, turning them into pigs for a week at a time. It worked, but only for a while. And the sacred hyena, with quiet sorrow, would often wonder when the day would come that no one would be left to protect her. That day would mark her death, after which humanity would be left to face its own sickness, alone.
In the ancient forest on the island of Nan Ragun lived a sacred hyena. People believed that a single tuft of its fur could cure any illness, even bring the hopelessly sick back to life. And so, they came in crowds, pushing into the forest, chasing the hyena toward the cliffs, tearing the healing fur from its body. But when the hyena lost its fur, it would fall ill itself, collapsing from exhaustion, slowly fading away. To prevent this, the goddess Artemis had to intervene. She drove the people away, turning them into pigs for a week at a time. It worked, but only for a while. And the sacred hyena, with quiet sorrow, would often wonder when the day would come that no one would be left to protect her. That day would mark her death, after which humanity would be left to face its own sickness, alone.
THE ESCAPE OF EUROPE
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
According to legend, Europa, the daughter of a local king, was so beautiful that her parents kept her hidden away, forbidding her from speaking to anyone. But fate had other plans: the god Zeus noticed the young beauty and was overcome with desire. Disguised as a gentle bull, he approached the unsuspecting Europa and offered her a ride. As soon as she climbed onto his back, he carried her off to the distant land that would one day bear her name—Europe—where he fulfilled his desire. At least, that’s how the legend goes. In truth, Europa had grown weary of her life under constant watch. Bored and longing for something more, she made Zeus an offer: “If you steal me away, far from my parents, then you may have what you seek.” And the rest you already know.
According to legend, Europa, the daughter of a local king, was so beautiful that her parents kept her hidden away, forbidding her from speaking to anyone. But fate had other plans: the god Zeus noticed the young beauty and was overcome with desire. Disguised as a gentle bull, he approached the unsuspecting Europa and offered her a ride. As soon as she climbed onto his back, he carried her off to the distant land that would one day bear her name—Europe—where he fulfilled his desire. At least, that’s how the legend goes. In truth, Europa had grown weary of her life under constant watch. Bored and longing for something more, she made Zeus an offer: “If you steal me away, far from my parents, then you may have what you seek.” And the rest you already know.
THE GODDESS DEMETER PROTECTS THE ROC
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
The legendary bird Roc—so vast it could carry elephants through the sky—was born from an egg laid by the goddess Demeter. To help her warm the egg, the Forest Hen and the Forest Turkey kept watch by her side. But Demeter had enemies. Blue birds, sent by her ancient rival, the goddess of discord Eris, often came to destroy what she had created. The most dangerous time was when the Roc hatched — small, fragile, and unable to defend itself. In those days, Demeter would perform a sacred dance around the chick, singing songs that kept the blue birds at bay.
The legendary bird Roc—so vast it could carry elephants through the sky—was born from an egg laid by the goddess Demeter. To help her warm the egg, the Forest Hen and the Forest Turkey kept watch by her side. But Demeter had enemies. Blue birds, sent by her ancient rival, the goddess of discord Eris, often came to destroy what she had created. The most dangerous time was when the Roc hatched — small, fragile, and unable to defend itself. In those days, Demeter would perform a sacred dance around the chick, singing songs that kept the blue birds at bay.
THE MERMAID PLAYING WITH THE SEA SERPENT
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
When the sacred fish, Piscis Sacer, reaches the shores of Nan Ragun Island and lays the eggs of mermaids, the sea serpents take them under their care. These serpents protect the young and teach them all the ancient wisdom. Once the mermaids have grown into wise, mature beings, the sea serpents shed their skins, leaving behind only their bony frames. This is all they truly need, for their knowledge is kept safely within their skulls. Everything beyond their bones exists only to nurture the mermaids, and when that time has passed, they shed what is no longer necessary. The mermaids are never troubled by this transformation. When they meet the sea serpents, they joyfully play together, knowing that what truly matters is not how they look, but whether they love you.
When the sacred fish, Piscis Sacer, reaches the shores of Nan Ragun Island and lays the eggs of mermaids, the sea serpents take them under their care. These serpents protect the young and teach them all the ancient wisdom. Once the mermaids have grown into wise, mature beings, the sea serpents shed their skins, leaving behind only their bony frames. This is all they truly need, for their knowledge is kept safely within their skulls. Everything beyond their bones exists only to nurture the mermaids, and when that time has passed, they shed what is no longer necessary. The mermaids are never troubled by this transformation. When they meet the sea serpents, they joyfully play together, knowing that what truly matters is not how they look, but whether they love you.
THE ESCAPE FROM EDEN
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
Eve wasn’t happy in Eden. What annoyed her most was Adam. He did nothing all day, just lay in the shade of the trees. She wanted him to become someone she could be proud of, someone with purpose. But he seemed like a soft, blue mistake, with no sign of ambition. She also didn’t like the serpent. No one knew why it was even there, and it seemed to be a bad influence on Adam. So Eve made a decision. She would do the one thing that would get them thrown out of Eden—eat the forbidden fruit. And she did. Thanks to her, men became more human, learned to stay away from snakes, and we all got a life that’s full of stories, struggles, and meaning, instead of just drifting through paradise.
Eve wasn’t happy in Eden. What annoyed her most was Adam. He did nothing all day, just lay in the shade of the trees. She wanted him to become someone she could be proud of, someone with purpose. But he seemed like a soft, blue mistake, with no sign of ambition. She also didn’t like the serpent. No one knew why it was even there, and it seemed to be a bad influence on Adam. So Eve made a decision. She would do the one thing that would get them thrown out of Eden—eat the forbidden fruit. And she did. Thanks to her, men became more human, learned to stay away from snakes, and we all got a life that’s full of stories, struggles, and meaning, instead of just drifting through paradise.
THE SHAMAN WHO SUMMONS AUTUMN
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
When day and night stand equal, a many-legged, many-armed shaman emerges from the dark forest to begin his magic. He spins in a wild dance, chanting ancient hymns, and invisible waves ripple through the woods. These waves touch the leaves, turning them yellow and red. Weary alongside the shaman, the leaves gently fall to the ground. With his work done, the shaman retreats back into the forest, where bears have prepared a den for him. There, he will rest through the winter, guarded in his sleep by his faithful companions.
When day and night stand equal, a many-legged, many-armed shaman emerges from the dark forest to begin his magic. He spins in a wild dance, chanting ancient hymns, and invisible waves ripple through the woods. These waves touch the leaves, turning them yellow and red. Weary alongside the shaman, the leaves gently fall to the ground. With his work done, the shaman retreats back into the forest, where bears have prepared a den for him. There, he will rest through the winter, guarded in his sleep by his faithful companions.
THE QUEEN OF KAYABASU
Oil on canvas. 24" x 30". $3,900 USD
Kauabasu lived in small colonies and mostly looked like patches of purple moss that covered the land in round rings, one inside another. But on those nights when the Second Moon shone like a sun, orbiting close to Earth and reflecting all sunlight off its almost polished white surface, the Kauabasu became hungry. Their queen, positioned near the center of the concentric circles, began to sing a soft and sorrowful song in low frequency tones. After that all the moss crawled toward her and covered her, forming a strange plant like creature that sang like a choir. The song was so enchanting that other species were drawn to the Queen of the Kauabasu, where they became entwined in her tentacles and soon disappeared, eaten without a trace. When the Second Moon dimmed its light, the Kauabasu, now satisfied, disintegrated back into harmless purple moss until the Second Moon began to shine again.
Kauabasu lived in small colonies and mostly looked like patches of purple moss that covered the land in round rings, one inside another. But on those nights when the Second Moon shone like a sun, orbiting close to Earth and reflecting all sunlight off its almost polished white surface, the Kauabasu became hungry. Their queen, positioned near the center of the concentric circles, began to sing a soft and sorrowful song in low frequency tones. After that all the moss crawled toward her and covered her, forming a strange plant like creature that sang like a choir. The song was so enchanting that other species were drawn to the Queen of the Kauabasu, where they became entwined in her tentacles and soon disappeared, eaten without a trace. When the Second Moon dimmed its light, the Kauabasu, now satisfied, disintegrated back into harmless purple moss until the Second Moon began to shine again.