Michel Kikoine was an Impressionist painter born in Belarus, who would become known for his beautiful landscapes. He began studying art as a boy at the Kruger School of Drawing in Minsk, the Belarusian capital. Here he met and became friends with fellow artists Soutine and Kremegne whom he remained friends with all his life. At the age of 19, Kikoine moved to the Montparnasse district of Paris with his two friends to pursue his artistic career.