Near the Flower Market in Cannes, French Riviera is a stunning original oil painting by Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly-John that beautifully captures the essence of the Mediterranean landscape. The composition is masterfully crafted, showcasing a winding uphill path that leads the eye from behind a rock formation, guiding viewers toward the interplay of shadows and figures scattered throughout the scene.
D’Oyly-John’s signature palette knife technique brings the landscape to life with vibrant, expressive colors. The trees are gracefully rendered, their form creating soft, pleasing shadows that enhance the depth of the composition. In the background, distant purple mountains rise above the tranquil sea, where sailboats drift lazily on the still waters. Figures are subtly placed throughout, adding a quiet dynamism to the serene environment.
With his expert use of color, light, and texture, D’Oyly-John evokes the sun-soaked beauty of the French Riviera, balancing the natural elements with the human presence that defines the region. Near the Flower Market in Cannes is a luminous and captivating piece, demonstrating the artist’s deep connection to the landscapes of southern France.
| Medium: | Oil |
| Format: | Canvas |
| Size (Unframed): | 36 x 70 cm |
| Signed: | Yes |
Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly-John, known as D’Oyly-John, was a South African-born British artist celebrated for his vibrant, sun-drenched landscapes of the South of France and the Mediterranean. His early life remains shrouded in mystery, including his claim of being the illegitimate son of artist Augustus John. Before becoming a painter, D’Oyly-John led an adventurous life, working on a Japanese tramp steamer, as a lifesaver in Colombo, pearl-fishing in Manila, and serving in the police in Tanganyika. He joined the Military Police during WWII, where he was severely injured by a V2 rocket, which led him to take up painting during his recovery.
Encouraged by artist Edmund Fearnley-Whittingstall, D’Oyly-John developed a distinctive palette knife technique, influenced by Belgian and French artists. His paintings, often of idyllic Mediterranean scenes, gained recognition through British art dealer Frost & Reed. In the 1960s, he had successful exhibitions, and his work was collected by prominent figures, including Queen Elizabeth, who acquired several pieces for the Royal Collection.
Known as the “Van Gogh of Sussex” for his bold, colorful style, D’Oyly-John continued to paint and exhibit internationally despite a stroke in 1987 that left him partially paralyzed. He spent his final years in Rottingdean, Sussex, where he passed away in 1993. His legacy endures through his luminous landscapes and his significant contribution to 20th-century British art.
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