Leandre Proulx – A la Ferme, De Leandre Proulx

The composition presents a rural scene dominated by a weathered farmhouse set within a vast field of golden grasses. The structure itself is long and low-slung, constructed from dark wood with a corrugated metal roof exhibiting signs of age and disrepair. Several windows punctuate the facade, some appearing darkened or obscured, suggesting an interior life that remains largely unseen. A solitary tree, its foliage ablaze with autumnal hues of red and orange, stands to the left of the house, providing a vertical counterpoint to the horizontal expanse of the building and field.
A small herd of animals – likely cattle – is visible in the foreground, partially obscured by tall grasses and brush. Their forms are rendered with loose strokes, contributing to an overall impression of movement and naturalism. A single horse grazes further away on the right side of the composition, isolated from the rest of the group.
The palette is predominantly warm, utilizing shades of gold, brown, and ochre to evoke a sense of late afternoon sunlight and harvest time. The sky, visible in the background, is muted with a hazy quality that softens the edges of the scene and contributes to an atmosphere of quiet contemplation.
Beyond the straightforward depiction of rural life, the painting seems to explore themes of transience and resilience. The dilapidated state of the farmhouse suggests a history of labor and endurance, while the vibrant colors of autumn hint at cyclical renewal. The animals, integrated into the landscape, represent both sustenance and a connection to the natural world. The composition’s emphasis on horizontal lines – the field, the house, the horizon – creates a feeling of stability and permanence, yet this is subtly undermined by the signs of decay and the implied passage of time. Theres an underlying melancholy present; it isnt a celebratory depiction of rural life but rather a quiet observation of its enduring character in the face of inevitable change.