Anatoly Zverev, the first Russian expressionist, led a remarkable life as an artist. Born in 1931, he discovered his passion for art at a young age, receiving his first drawing lessons from graphic artist Nikolay Sinitsyn. Although he was expelled from the Moscow Art School, Zverev continued to hone his skills independently and gained recognition for his paintings in the International Youth Festival competition.

Known for his unusual and expressive style, Zverev's paintings were a spontaneous interplay of colors and lines, capturing recognizable forms. He preferred working with watercolors, using a raw technique with wet paper. His works ranged from portraits and landscapes to sketches and illustrations for books.

Despite facing struggles with authorities and spending time in a mental hospital, Zverev remained true to his artistic vision and chose a path of solitude, rejecting the conventions of his time. Fellow artists, like Robert Falk, spoke highly of Zverev's talent, considering him a once-in-a-century master.

Today, Anatoly Zverev's paintings are highly prized by collectors, with over 30 thousand works across various styles in private and public collections. His art continues to resonate with its powerful expression and energetic spirit.