PleauMichel Brise dautomne-We Michel Pleau

The canvas presents a vibrant autumnal landscape dominated by a rushing stream and dense foliage. The artist employed a thick impasto technique, evident in the pronounced texture of the paint application across the entire surface. This contributes significantly to the dynamism of the scene, particularly along the water’s course where brushstrokes mimic the movement of the current.
The composition is structured around a diagonal axis formed by the stream, which descends from the upper left corner towards the lower right. The foliage frames this central element, creating a sense of enclosure and depth. A significant portion of the foreground is occupied by trees displaying an intense spectrum of autumnal colors: fiery reds, oranges, and yellows. These hues are not rendered realistically; instead, they appear heightened and almost abstracted, suggesting a subjective emotional response to the season rather than a purely observational depiction.
The sky, visible through gaps in the foliage, is painted with broad strokes of blue and white, conveying a sense of cool air and diffused light characteristic of autumn days. The color palette overall leans towards warm tones, creating an atmosphere of both energy and melancholy – a common association with the transition from summer to winter.
Subtly, theres a feeling of isolation conveyed by the density of the trees and the absence of any human presence. The stream’s forceful flow might symbolize the relentless passage of time or the inevitability of change inherent in the seasonal cycle. While visually striking, the painting avoids detailed representation, opting instead for an expressive rendering that prioritizes mood and atmosphere over precise topographical accuracy. This suggests a focus on capturing the feeling of autumn rather than its literal appearance.