Les Prés
10” x 12”
ACRYLIC ON CANVAS
The air was cool. The light was golden, yet somewhat diffused by the wispy clouds that would occasionally pass over the sun. The weekend that was, was one for reflection. So as I sat on this bench on the field, painting became a culmination of many moments. Many thoughts that needed to be fully explored, vetted out, some revived and some put to rest. Painting is never just painting - it’s thinking.
mise en paint. arranging all the items needed for a painting project is an integral part of the process. it builds anticipation. it makes the first brush stroke so complete. I realize that when it comes to these sorts of hobbies, I go to the extreme just to curate the “perfect” moment. waking the trail just to sit outside at the bench. facing the field for a sense of openness. khatia buniatishvilli’s “motherland” playing from the beginning. (arguably superior to labyrinth, im still undecided). all of these things, just to make a little picture. its the simple pleasures…
I recently discovered this piece by Henri Marin. It’s called “Les Pepliers” - French for “The Poplars”. The artwork immediately arrested my attention, pulling me in. It tugged at my heart and I didn’t know why. I had to just stare at this for a while and let it absorb. Why am I happy seeing this? Why am I sad? Why is this reminding me of my past? Why does it reminiscence what I wish for in the future?
It’s not quite evening yet, but sometime deep into the afternoon, nearing that crimson golden hour. the scene is soft. the air is almost glowing. the mountain is enveloped in light. the trees are gentle. the grass is pleasant. the shadows aren’t harsh. the sheep graze quietly. but what is most powerful to me are the two subjects in the front. you have a young girl occupied with something in her hands. she is in the moment. and so is the woman who is sitting down, she’s lost in the present. the dog sees something in the distance. he’s consumed as well. to be calm enough where in such a beautiful place, you can get lost in your art, or more so - wonder.
this piece touches me because it reminds me of my childhood, quiet times just being in the presence of my mom. but it reminds me of my little brother and sister too, and how these types of moments happen very often for them, playing, having fun. and my mom is there. but these subjects still mean more. they represent anyone you want them to be. in a way, could this be Mal and Philippa, at a time when they were together? The lighting spread across the grass reminds me of the kids playing in the ground, digging for something. and yet still, these people could be something to me even more in the future. the metaphor is always changing but at it’s core it represents a closeness, a fondness, a tranquility.
how does one go about recreating such beauty? it’s not just the technique. its not just the “impressionism” or “post-impressionist” style. no, goes deeper than style. it goes further. how do I capture this emotion? how can I internalize this feeling?
the beauty of the poplars ironically isn’t the poplars but the people. so what would this painting even be without people? something is missing. that closeness, that fondness, that tranquility. it exists in the trees and in this beautiful lighting. but its so fleeting, so ephemeral.
when these loved ones aren’t there in the frame, it just becomes a meadow. I wanted to capture this side of it. because now that the place is empty, I can imagine who is there. imagine someday years and years from now, visiting this place, and looking out to this view? I’ve left this artwork unfinished for now. I’’d like to revisit it in the new system, and paint over with the actual subjects. because it wont be a metaphor anymore. the memories in the meadows . or, in French,
Les Prés
