Champs XI., 2020

Christian Manoury  

A contemporary Abstract Expressionist Color-Field acrylic on canvas by French artist, Christian Manoury. Signed to the back of the canvas and presented in a plain white wood tray frame. 

Inspired by the wonderful countryside surrounding his atelier in the South of France, a beautifully strong and colourful painting reminiscent of the colour field works of De Stael. The painting catches the light and changes throughout the day. Manoury has a way of capturing the energy of light within his colours which fly and dance across the background. This is a piece to lose yourself in again and again.

This artwork is a striking abstract landscape, characterized by bold blocks of textured color. The composition is divided into four horizontal bands, each with a distinct palette. The sky dominates with deep blues, suggesting a stormy atmosphere, rendered with expressive brushwork that conveys movement and depth. Beneath the sky, a vibrant green band signifies verdant fields, its rough texture adding a tactile dimension to the scene. A darker green strip suggests a dense forest or foliage, grounding the central band with earthy tones. The foreground features rich, earthy browns, evoking the essence of soil or rocky terrain, further adding to the layers of texture. The artist's use of thick, impasto technique invites the viewer to explore the painting's surface with their eyes, making the experience both visual and tactile. The interplay of color and texture creates a dynamic tension, evoking the raw beauty of nature.