< PreviousARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE 20 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY passion Intricate Centring around the universal theme of love, Andrei Protsouk’s art bursts with vibrancy. Born in the industrial city of Donetsk, Ukraine, in 1961, Andrei Protsouk demonstrated an exceptional gift for art from a young age. With his father a photographer and his mother a master embroiderer, it seemed only natural that he too would pursue a career within the arts. On leaving school, Andrei attended the prestigious Lugansk School of Fine Art, followed by a Masters Degree at the Ilya Repin Leningrad Institute; widely regarded as one of the world’s finest art training programs. Here, Andrei studied under Evsey Moiseenko – a world-renowned contemporary of Marc Chagall and Pablo Picasso. Moiseenko adopted Andrei as his protégée, recognizing the potential of his already remarkable talent. Andrei’s early works reflected the melancholy of the Soviets’ living conditions, often using heavy textures and dark colours. In 1994, Andrei moved with his family to the US, where he quickly established himself as a prominent figure on the contemporary art scene. His paintings became more colourful, his subjects more joyful, celebrating life in the freedom of American society. Many of his artworks now centre around the universal theme of love, frequently depicting couples in the midst of passionate dances or embraces. Unafraid to work to large scales, Andrei’s elaborate pieces burst with vibrant colour, intricate shapes, and varied textures. His use of constructive line demonstrates his innate creative ability and understanding of the human form, drawing comparisons to the figurative works of Michelangelo. Never one to rest on his laurels, the artist works today from a studio within his own gallery in Pennsylvania, continuing to experiment with a range of media and subject matter. His evident passion and dedication to his practice has deserved him phenomenal commercial success, having completed commissions for Johnnie Walker and Coca Cola. His work hangs in private collections of notable figures and as such is considered to have excellent investment potential. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 21 THE LITTLE RED GALLERY Love art? Then we’d love to meet you, please call in for a cup of tea and a chat. The Little Red Gallery are feeling ‘Love’ with a fantastic range of pieces and perfect gift ideas. ARTISTIC LINCOLNSHIRE If you’d like to see Andrei ’s work for yourself, head down to Lincoln’s Little Red Gallery22 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY It’s especially effective on garden favourites like: * Roses – Regular deadheading encourages continual flowering. * Geraniums and pelargoniums – Tidy them often for bushier growth. * Cosmos and marigolds – The more you deadhead, the more they bloom. * Petunias – Keep them lush by removing soggy, faded flowers. Deadheading doesn’t require fancy tools or techniques. Simply identify blooms that are wilting, browning, or dropping petals, then pinch or snip them off. Use your fingers for delicate flowers or sharp secateurs for tougher stems. The key is to cut just above a healthy set of leaves or a new bud, and for larger blooms like roses, go back to a strong, outward-facing leaf—this shapes the plant B y July, gardens across the UK are bursting with life. But as blooms fade, many plants start to wind down, unless you give them a little encouragement. Deadheading is one of those small tasks that delivers big results, and it is simple, quick, and can dramatically extend your garden’s colour and vitality. Many flowering plants naturally slow or stop blooming once they’ve started setting seed. From the plant’s perspective, the mission is accomplished. Bloom, pollinate, produce seed. But if you remove the spent flowers before they go to seed, you trick the plant into producing more, resulting in prolonged flowering, improved plant health, and a neater, more attractive garden. deadheading Ed Fuller from Fullers Landscaping explains the power of deadheading. deadheading The power of* Deadhead bedding plans and perennial plants to stop them self- seeding and encourage further flowering. Cut back the faded perennial plants. * Deadhead your roses to keep them looking tidy. Leave the flowers in place if your rose produces attractive hips (seed pods). * Dead head sweet peas regularly to keep them blooming and water daily in dry weather. * Keep an eye out for pests on plants, early treatment is best. * If you need to prune your deciduous Magnolia, now is the best time to do it. * Cutting back growth in hanging baskets can encourage new flowers and foliage and will revive the display. Make sure you feed your baskets well after doing this. * Pick your courgettes while they are young to encourage more fruit and pick your runner beans regularly to prevent them becoming stringy and to make room for developing pods. * Water your lawn during hot weather, particularly newly seeded or turfed lawns. * Turn the contents of your compost bin every month to keep it well aerated. * Keep bird baths topped up in hot weather. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 23 FULLERS Call 01522 868717 landscapinglincolnshire@gmail.com www.landscapinglincolnshire.com GARDEN ADVICE Specialised Service in Garden Design and Landscaping Backed by a highly-skilled and experienced team, we’ve built our reputation on an ability to provide our clients with professional, tailored garden design and construction services. nicely and encourages robust new growth. Make it part of your regular routine. A quick stroll through the garden every few days is all it takes, especially during warm spells when blooms can fade quickly, and it can become part of your gardening routine. Not all plants benefit from deadheading. In some cases, those faded flowers still have a purpose: * Plants with attractive seed heads (like alliums or echinacea) provide visual interest and food for birds later in the year. * Single-flush bloomers like peonies or lilacs won’t flower again this year, so deadheading is just cosmetic. * Self-seeders such as foxgloves or nigella can be left to go to seed if you want them to naturalise and return next year. It’s all about knowing your garden and its needs. Deadheading can be a quiet joy, as it is an excuse to linger a little longer among your flowers and engage with each plant’s progress. So, this July, take a few minutes to deadhead. You’ll be rewarded with a garden that stays brighter, healthier, and more alive all summer long. © stock.adobe.com/lemanieh Around the garden © stock.adobe.com/ellenmck © stock.adobe.com/Nicolas VINCENT24 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Swept up in summer style From flowing dresses to vibrant prints, summer fashion is in full swing. Swept up in summer style From flowing dresses to vibrant prints, summer fashion is in full swing. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 25 FASHION Joe Browns This maxi dress from Joe Browns screams summer. With a bright floral print, V neck, shoulder ties, and a shirred bodice, the compliments are sure to come, whatever the occasion. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 27 FASHION Opposite: HANNAH ZAHRAN With an elegant high neck, fluid large sleeves, and a beautiful print, this dress from HANNAH ZAHRAN offers the ideal blend of sophistication and contemporary design. Above: Marc Cain With a unique pattern, these light and airy trousers and matching blazer from Marc Cain are perfect for a fresh and elevated summer look. Top right: Oliver Bonas Oliver Bonas creates a funky frock with this white V- neck midi dress featuring abstract red stripes. Right: Threadbare Threadbare’s crew neck linen waistcoat provides a versatile piece for a polished silhouette, whether paired with linen trousers or layered over a t-shirt. 28 LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY FASHION Above: Cotton Traders This versatile dress from Cotton Traders is just as stylish on casual days as on special occasions. Top right: Scamp & Dude With puffed sleeves, a tiered skirt, and vintage-inspired shirred bust detailing, this blue and green striped maxi dress from Scamp & Dude makes for a timeless addition to the closet. Right: Lorelei London This romantic dress from Lorelei London features a stunning silhouette and pattern inspired by a climbing clematis. LINCOLNSHIRE TODAY 29 FASHION Top left: Busby & Fox Making a laid-back statement, Busby & Fox pristinely pairs a silky floral top with vibrant linen trousers. Left: Joe Browns With bold pink and orange stripes, this sleeveless maxi dress from Joe Browns is a standout piece for your summer wardrobe. Above: The White Company This crinkle skirt from The White Company is sure to flatter with its floaty, textured design. Next >