#43995 Bernard Cathelin (1919-2004)

The composition presents a landscape rendered in a highly abstracted style. A body of water dominates the upper portion of the canvas, its surface suggested by broad strokes of intense blue punctuated with lighter hues that imply reflections or movement. Above this expanse, a sky is indicated through similarly gestural brushwork, employing shades of white and pale pink to convey atmospheric conditions.
The lower half of the painting is occupied by what appears to be an architectural structure or a cluster of buildings situated on a hillside. These forms are constructed from blocks of color – predominantly reds, oranges, and pinks – applied with thick impasto that creates a palpable texture. The shapes are not precisely defined; instead, they merge and overlap, contributing to a sense of visual ambiguity. A dark, rounded form, likely representing foliage, is positioned in the foreground, partially obscuring the buildings behind it.
The artist’s use of color is striking. The vibrant reds and oranges evoke warmth and intensity, while the blues provide a contrasting coolness that establishes depth and spatial relationships. Theres an absence of traditional perspective; instead, the emphasis lies on the interplay of colors and forms to create a mood rather than a realistic depiction.
Subtly, there is a feeling of melancholy or isolation conveyed through the muted palette and the lack of human presence. The buildings seem monumental yet detached, suggesting a place removed from everyday life. The abstracted nature of the scene invites contemplation on themes of memory, loss, or the subjective experience of landscape. The painting doesn’t offer a clear narrative but rather presents an emotional response to a specific location – a feeling more than a representation.