Russ. Sketch unrealized panels Roerich N.K. (Part 1)

This painting depicts a forest scene with two figures engaged in what appears to be hunting or practicing archery. Tall, slender trees with dark trunks dominate the foreground, creating a sense of depth and a slightly confining atmosphere. The ground is covered with large, moss-covered rocks, rendered in vibrant shades of green and accented with blue.
In the middle ground, one figure, dressed in white with a band around their head, is partially hidden behind a large green boulder, aiming a bow and arrow. Further to the right, a second figure, also in white with touches of red and brown, is in a similar pose, holding a bow and arrow, seemingly preparing to shoot.
The style is loose and sketch-like, with visible pastel strokes that give the image a textured, almost ethereal quality. The use of color is expressive, with the cool purples in the background contrasting with the lively greens of the rocks and the warm earth tones of the figures attire. The setting feels wild and untamed, suggesting a struggle for survival or a moment of intense focus within the natural world. The title Russ. Sketch unrealized panels suggests this is a preparatory study for a larger work, perhaps intended to be part of a series or a grander composition. The unrealized aspect leaves room for interpretation, hinting at the artists intentions that may not have come to full fruition, adding a layer of mystery to the scene.
The subtext could revolve around themes of humanitys relationship with nature, the primal instincts of hunting, or a mythological narrative set in a pre-Christian or pagan Russia, especially given the titles reference to Russ. The figures, positioned amidst the raw, rocky landscape, could symbolize a connection to ancient traditions or a struggle against the wilderness. The focused, active poses of the archers might also suggest a narrative of readiness, defense, or spiritual quest, imbued with the wild energy of the forest.