Chênes de St. Paul, 2023

Bernadette Van Baarsen   New & remarkable Artists

A contemporary semi abstract color-field oil on canvas of a range of oak trees in Provence by Dutch artist Bernadette Van Baarsen. Presented on a silver and black case frame. Signed ant dated bottom right.

This dynamic artwork showcases an expressive landscape filled with vibrant colors and bold lines. Dominated by a series of swaying oak trees, the scene captures the essence of nature in motion. The trees, with their twisting forms and animated branches, contrast sharply against the undulating hills beyond. Their trunks, rendered in rich, earthy tones, ground the composition. In the foreground, vivid blue and yellow hues flow like a river, suggesting movement and depth. Above, the swirling sky paints a backdrop of blues and greens, mirroring the vitality below. The artist skillfully balances abstraction and representation, creating a visually striking tableau that invites viewers into a whimsical, dreamlike world. This piece stands out for its energetic brushwork and imaginative palette, reflecting a masterful interpretation of the natural world.

Bernadette ('Berna', as she autographs her works) VAN BAARSEN was born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After finishing her high-school she followed training to be a nurse and architect, whilst at the same time being a lead singer in two Dutch punk bands and making sculptures in plexiglass. Later in life she decided to pursue an academic career and obtained a PhD in psychology and medical ethics. She worked as associate professor at the Free University of Amsterdam and was member of several high-level medical-ethical committees. In 2015 she settled in France. Being essentially autodidact, she took up painting, in particular after being inspired by the Provençal landscape and friendships with fellow artists. In recent years she has shown her work at successful exhibitions in Provence and elsewhere.