nature #228 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition centers on a hare, rendered in warm earth tones that dominate the visual field. The animal stands erect amidst tall grasses and foliage, its posture suggesting alertness and cautious observation. Its ears are pricked forward, directing attention towards something beyond the frame, implying an unseen threat or stimulus.
Here we see a deliberate blurring of detail; the artist has employed a loose brushstroke technique that softens edges and obscures precise forms. This approach lends a sense of immediacy and spontaneity to the work, while also contributing to an overall atmosphere of quiet contemplation. The background is indistinct, composed primarily of muted greys and browns which further emphasize the hare as the focal point.
The color palette reinforces this feeling of naturalism; the ochres, umbers, and siennas evoke a sense of autumnal warmth or perhaps the subdued light of dawn or dusk. Theres an absence of vibrant hues, contributing to a somber yet peaceful mood. The texture appears thick and layered, suggesting a tactile quality that invites closer inspection.
Subtly, the painting explores themes of vulnerability and resilience. The hare, a creature often associated with rural landscapes and folklore, embodies both fragility and adaptability. Its upright posture, while indicative of vigilance, also hints at a certain defenselessness within its environment. The indistinct background could be interpreted as representing the vastness and unpredictability of nature, against which this single animal exists.
The work seems to eschew narrative in favor of capturing a fleeting moment – a silent encounter between observer and observed – and invites reflection on the delicate balance between life and survival within the natural world.