Why I Painted It
Oil on panel. 46 x 33 cm.
I was reading a book about the French painter Albert Marquet and was very amazed by his ability to paint with a minimum of effects and a maximum of results. His figurative works were close to abstract signs, and he was a master in translating the weather with a great knowledge of the grey color variations. He was also a master in suggesting figures by a single dash of colour (often a tiny black sign in the distance). He represented seascapes, harbors by painting them at the hotel, which he specially rented for these occasions. Clear seascapes, tilt-up views describing the agitation of life.
What I Love About This Painting
I was amazed by the illuminated backlighting view of the sailing boat coming back to harbor: the highlights around the boat, the dark jetty, and the onlookers. This seascape stands at home, in my son's bedroom: it helps him fall asleep.
Tips and Tricks
- I have learnt how to paint with self-restraint, without losing my time with too many details.
- Now, when I want to paint a landscape, I immediately think of Marquet and I try not to lose sight of the following rule: do not look for embellishments! Paint with simplicity, but not poorly, choose the right detail, the right tone or color, but let the viewer do the rest of the work. But it is not natural for me, at this time.
