Pol Ledent’s Solitary World
Best known for his use of color, self-taught Belgian painter Pol Ledent draws most of his inspiration from his home in the Ardennes. Ledent’s work consists largely of landscapes made done in oil paints. In this piece, the cool, tranquil blue foreground and background are juxtaposed against the lively yellow and orange hues of the trees’ leaves. These leaves create an inverted triangle of warm colors that draws the viewer’s eye into the distance, towards the unknown. This impressionist style enchants the viewer with its intimate portrayal of untouched nature, yet the heavy brushstrokes deliberately reveal the undeniable presence of the artist, calling the validity of the serene scene into question.
Although the overall atmosphere is calm, the space itself contains confusing and disorienting elements. A huge, dynamic cluster of white and blue paint scars the canvas – a heavy splotch of color that creates the impression of a valley or waterfall. Dividing the canvas into two halves, this depression distances the viewer from the trees and the unknown beyond them. The scene is difficult to precisely decipher, and we are confronted with many questions: is that water being depicted? Snow? What season is this? Ledent couples this suspension of reality with his vibrant artistic style in order to bring dynamism to an otherwise stagnant subject.
The painting invites the viewer into a solitary world and asks him or her to confront this untamed nature head on. Although the ground seems barren, the trees still have leaves on them, signaling the presence of life and offering hope that if the viewer were to follow the trees, he or she would find something vibrant and alive at the end. Black rocks punctuate the softness of the white ground, symbolizing the rough patches that the viewer must overcome if she wants to follow this auspicious path. We are left with a sense of tranquil optimism: a silent hope emerging out of the vast emptiness.
What do you think of this painting?
Very true about the conflicting seasons… The icy foreground reminds me of a cold winter but the warm colors remind me of summer. Maybe it is the sunset!
Beautiful painting and lovely words by Hillary. The contrasting bright colors with the whiteness of winter may suggest having the two seasons coexist
Your insightful interpretation of this painting encourages me to look further. Thank you!
Fabulous analysis and commentary.. I think that is one of the great opportunities artists have.. that is to create a world that was not there before.. can mix it up, confuse, and play with nature for whatever reason the artist may have.. I like this artist and see him do that a lot- especially with color..
You are very welcome. Glad you enjoyed it.
imaginary a landscape is not Something true, it is a dream by a person;
not a true vision of a lieu…
each person can interpret a landscape…
an artist walking in a landscape will feel it and his mind will captivape the essential of that moment closer to reality…a true feeling ,very personal, because each viewer will select what touch him her the most…nature speak….
As an artist myself, I feel the difference from a dream… and from a true moment in nature
itself… the colours are warmer and really touch your soul, you will sense a fresh air , perfume of differente flowers, trees, and water of a little creek…
06 juillet 2016 5:30 pm