Outhouse Studios

Paul Cézanne: Color and View

October 18th, 2005 by admin

Use of color & unique perspective sets work apart

Mont Sainte-Victoire and the Viaduct of the Arc River Valley, 1882–85

Still Life with Apples and Pears, 1885–87

The anniversary of Paul Cézanne’s death is this coming Saturday. Why I know this shall remain a mystery. The above images are from The Metropolitan Museum of Art and were chosen 1)because their size was appropriate for this weblog and they are good pieces in terms of my personal view of Cézanne.

In the first piece, you will notice that despite the overall green and brown character of the piece, it has remained interesting both for its depth of field and for the subtle color changes throughout the entire piece. There is actually more color than what we would observe with our eye. He has imparted his own way of looking into the piece.

In the fruit still life, once again he has created a world with brush stroke and color which has something more than what we see. The painting takes on a life of its own. Seated Peasant, ca. 1892–96

In the "Seated Peasant" there are many aspects such as the hands which have a very literal lifelike quality. The expression of course is also believable, but it is clear that Cézanne is not trying to be literal - not just by the colorful background, but also by the appearance of the face and particularly the clothing.

Once again, he has taken observation and created something which is its own world.

There are many other things one could say about Cézanne’s style, but these are the particular things which have always spoken to me and which I have strived for. Part of my own artist’s statement has included these words: " My goal is to communicate a feeling and create a piece which is a world of its own … beautiful in its own right, and one which excites my own ever shifting palette."

As much as it bothers me to put my own work up in the same article as Cézanne - I quickly picked two pieces which shows his influence. I hope it is also equally clear to know that I do not try to copy anyone; although I am the first to admit I have been greatly affected and rightfully so.

Hill Mountain Fog