On Land & Water Michel Leroux

The composition presents a dense, overgrown landscape where terrestrial and aquatic environments converge. A body of water occupies the lower third of the canvas, its surface reflecting the light filtering through the foliage above. The waters edge is indistinct, blurring the boundary between land and liquid.
Dominating the scene are thickets of vegetation rendered in an impasto technique. Individual leaves and plant forms are suggested by small, distinct brushstrokes, creating a textural richness that conveys both abundance and complexity. A palette dominated by yellows, greens, and browns evokes a sense of late summer or early autumn. Patches of cooler tones – purples and blues – are interspersed throughout the foliage, adding depth and visual interest to the otherwise warm color scheme.
The light source appears to be positioned above and slightly behind the viewer, casting dappled shadows across both the water’s surface and the vegetation. This creates a sense of enclosure and intimacy, drawing the eye into the heart of the scene. The artist has chosen not to depict any discernible path or focal point within the landscape; instead, the emphasis is on the overall impression of wildness and untamed nature.
Subtly, there’s an implication of cyclical processes at work. The waters reflective surface suggests a mirroring of the world above, while the dense growth hints at continuous regeneration and decay. This interplay between elements might be interpreted as a meditation on the interconnectedness of natural systems and the passage of time. The absence of human presence reinforces this sense of untouched wilderness, inviting contemplation about humanity’s relationship with the environment.