nature #223 Rien Poortvliet (1932-1995)

The composition presents a scene of two deer within a dense, overgrown field. The artist has employed a thick impasto technique, creating a textured surface that obscures detail and contributes to a sense of atmospheric depth. Dominant hues are warm – ochre, gold, and russet – which imbue the landscape with an autumnal quality, suggesting late summer or early fall.
The deer themselves occupy the central foreground. One is depicted in profile, its head turned slightly towards the viewer, conveying alertness and a potential sense of apprehension. The second deer, positioned partially behind the first, displays a more relaxed posture, though still maintaining a watchful stance. Both animals are rendered with a focus on their musculature and fur texture, achieved through layered brushstrokes that capture the play of light across their bodies.
The background is less defined, dissolving into a hazy expanse of vegetation and sky. Hints of purple wildflowers punctuate the golden field, adding subtle color variation. The upper portion suggests a cloudy sky, with diffused light filtering through, contributing to the overall muted luminosity.
Beyond a straightforward depiction of wildlife, the painting evokes themes of natural harmony and vulnerability. The deer’s presence within this dense environment speaks to their inherent connection to the landscape, while their cautious postures suggest an awareness of potential threats – a constant state of vigilance in the wild. The heavy application of paint and the blurred background contribute to a dreamlike quality, distancing the viewer from a literal representation and inviting contemplation on the essence of natures beauty and fragility. There is a sense of quietude and introspection embedded within the work; it’s not merely an observation but rather a meditation on the relationship between creatures and their surroundings.