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Level 3. Advanced Practice. Unit Three. Research on Paul Gauguin.

Below is a continuation of my research on other artists’ compositional and elemental structure approaches. I could not miss Paul Gauguin’s landscapes.

Below: Parahi Te Marae ( Là rèside de temple), Paul Gauguin, 1892, oil on canvas; image from the book below “Gauguin. L’alchimiste”, under scientific direction of Claire Bernardi and Ophèlie Ferrier-Bouat, Art Institute Chicago, 2017;

This compositional approach is unique due to the number of curved lines placed in different directions. The lines of the dark mountain and a yellow meadow are placed parallel, but the almost black expressive fence line placed diagonally through the canvas is a very bold move to me.

Below: Tahitian Mountains, Paul Gauguin, 1893, oil on canvas image via https://www.artguide.org/paul-gauguin/tahitian-mountains/ [accessed on June 14, 2024];

Gauguin has a unique style in his compositions. He uses many curved perspective lines, giving them different directions. For example, in this painting, the mountain line is in dialogue with a running away line of white clouds. The two-lined path at the front creates depth and a sense of movement within the frame of his canvas. I find this painting full of dynamism.

Bibliography:

Paul Gauguin, Landscapes and scenery images, Global Galleries, online https://www.globalgallery.com/search/artist/paul+gauguin/subject/landscapes+and+scenery, [accessed on June 14, 2024]; Gauguin. L’alchimiste”, under scientific direction of Claire Bernardi and Ophèlie Ferrier-Bouat, Art Institute Chicago, 2017;

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