Landscape near Arles

How is your July so far? We hope it is calm like today's painting!

This canvas was the first Paul Gauguin painted during the two months he spent in Provence with Vincent van Gogh in 1888, following a highly productive summer in Pont-Aven. Moving away from Impressionism’s emphasis on direct observation, Gauguin sought to express a more personal, subjective response to nature by altering its shapes and colors. In this work, however, his focus shifts to form and structure. While the rural setting and sharp, acidic colors reflect van Gogh’s influence, the composition owes more to Paul Cézanne. Gauguin’s careful integration of the haystack and farm buildings echoes Cézanne’s interest in underlying geometric form and compositional balance.

Have a great Saturday, everyone!

P.S. Learn more about the relations among van Gogh, Gauguin, and Cezanne in our online course: Post-Impressionism 101. Enroll in DailyArt Courses.  :) 

P.P.S. If you are not so familiar with art by this French master, here's Paul Gauguin in 10 paintings that you'll love!