He was born in Odessa. Initial art education has received in Russia. While training he met with D. Burliuk, who became a close friend for life. In 1910 he emigrated from Russia and spent several years in Cairo, where he painted genre scenes and types of the Egyptian cities. This work brought the artist fame in Europe, fascinated by Orientalism. In 1916 he moved to Holland home favorite artist V. van Gogh. In Amsterdam held several solo exhibitions. From 1918 to 1923 traveled around Indonesia. In 1923 he settled in the U.S. state of Pennsylvania and took US citizenship. Led an active life, enjoyed success and recognition, has participated in numerous group exhibitions (including with D. Burliuk) and arranged a big solo exhibition in 1925. A master of landscape painting, favorite motifs were sea and mountain views.
