nature #183 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The artwork presents a vignette of woodland life rendered in watercolor and ink. Two young deer dominate the composition; one positioned centrally, almost directly facing the viewer, while the other is slightly offset to the right, angled away with its head turned. The animal closest to the foreground displays a particularly detailed rendering of its fur, capturing individual strands and subtle variations in color that suggest both softness and alertness.
The background consists of loosely painted foliage – predominantly greens and yellows – which creates an impressionistic sense of depth without offering precise botanical detail. This treatment allows the deer to remain the focal point while still establishing a natural setting. The brushwork is fluid, with washes of color blending into one another, contributing to a feeling of gentle movement and dappled light filtering through leaves.
A handwritten text appears in the upper right quadrant, positioned adjacent to the second deer. While the language is unfamiliar, its presence introduces an element of narrative or personal reflection that extends beyond purely visual representation. The script’s placement suggests its integral to understanding the work’s intended meaning, perhaps offering a commentary on the scene depicted or providing insight into the artist’s thoughts and feelings about nature.
The overall effect is one of quiet observation and understated beauty. There is an absence of dramatic action; instead, the artwork conveys a sense of peaceful coexistence between wildlife and its environment. The combination of detailed animal rendering with a loosely painted background suggests a deliberate balance between realism and subjective interpretation. It’s likely that the artist aims to evoke not just a visual likeness but also a feeling – a contemplative mood inspired by the natural world.