#44005 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

Here we see a landscape rendered in a highly expressive and abstracted style. The composition is divided into distinct horizontal bands of color, creating a layered effect that suggests depth while simultaneously flattening the pictorial space. A deep blue dominates the upper portion, acting as a sky or atmospheric backdrop. Below this, a band of muted earth tones transitions to an intense orange-red field which occupies the majority of the canvas. This lower section is characterized by thick, impasto brushstrokes, giving it a palpable texture and sense of raw energy.
A lighter, almost white, form rises from the red expanse towards the blue sky; this could be interpreted as a hill or mountain range, though its shape is simplified to an extent that it loses specific topographical detail. A dark band separates the orange-red field from the lighter upper section, further emphasizing the horizontal divisions and creating a visual barrier.
The color palette is striking – the juxtaposition of cool blue against the fiery red generates a dynamic tension within the image. The artist’s use of bold colors and vigorous brushwork conveys an emotional intensity rather than a realistic depiction of nature. Theres a sense of contained power, as if the landscape itself is imbued with a latent force.
The lack of clear focal points and the absence of representational details encourage the viewer to engage with the painting on a purely formal level – focusing on color relationships, texture, and composition rather than narrative content. The overall effect is one of emotional resonance and an exploration of the expressive potential of color and form. It suggests a subjective experience of landscape, filtered through the artist’s personal vision.