nature #112 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition presents a dense woodland scene rendered in a textured, almost chaotic style. A dominant palette of browns, ochres, and muted greens establishes a somber autumnal atmosphere. The artist has employed a thick impasto technique, creating a palpable surface that emphasizes the physicality of the paint itself. This contributes to an overall sense of immediacy and raw energy.
Here we see a central grouping of trees, their trunks appearing as vertical streaks receding into the background. These are not precisely delineated; instead, they merge with the surrounding foliage, blurring the distinction between individual elements and reinforcing the impression of an impenetrable thicket. The light source appears to be diffused, casting soft shadows that further obscure detail and contribute to a feeling of enclosure.
Scattered throughout the composition are streaks of gold or yellow pigment, which act as visual highlights, drawing attention to specific areas within the dense foliage. These flashes of color prevent the scene from becoming entirely monochromatic and introduce an element of unexpected vibrancy. They might be interpreted as representing sunlight filtering through the canopy, or perhaps a symbolic indication of life persisting amidst decay.
The painting’s edges are abruptly cut off by dark voids, intensifying the sense of depth and suggesting that the depicted woodland extends far beyond the visible frame. This framing device also isolates the scene, creating an atmosphere of solitude and introspection.
Subtly embedded within the dense brushwork is a suggestion of animal form – a head or snout – though it remains indistinct and elusive. Its presence hints at a hidden life within the forest, adding a layer of mystery and potential threat to the otherwise tranquil scene. The ambiguity surrounding this figure invites contemplation about the relationship between humanity and nature, and the ways in which we perceive and interact with the wild.
The work seems less concerned with precise representation than with conveying an emotional response to the natural world – a feeling of awe, perhaps tinged with a sense of unease or even apprehension.