Contemporary Colorfield Beach Scene at Low Tide. La Marée Basse., 2025

Bernadette Van Baarsen   New & remarkable Artists

Contemporary color-field oil on canvas of a beach scene at low tide by Dutch artist Bernadette van Baarsen. Unframed. Signed and dated 2025.

This artwork portrays a solitary figure walking along a vast, golden beach. The expanse of the sand is warm and inviting, contrasting with the tranquil, deep blue sea that kisses the shoreline. Above, a serene pink sky stretches across the canvas, suggesting the gentle light of dawn or dusk. The person, positioned slightly off-center, adds intrigue as they move toward the ocean, creating a sense of journey and introspection. This composition emphasizes solitude and reflection, evident in the figure's contemplative posture and the broad, open space surrounding them. The interplay of colors is striking—vivid yet harmonious—drawing the viewer into this peaceful, contemplative scene. The bold use of color and the minimalist landscape elevate the emotional depth of the scene, inviting the audience to ponder the relationship between humanity and nature.

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.