This captivating oil painting by Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly-John, titled The Road from Vallauris to Cannes, French Riviera, beautifully captures the essence of Mediterranean life with its brilliant colors and dynamic composition. Using his signature palette knife technique, D’Oyly-John brings the sun-drenched landscape to life, with vivid greens in the trees and soft, atmospheric blues in the sky. The shadows are expertly rendered, adding depth to the scene while preserving the bright clarity that defines the artist’s work.
In the foreground, figures sit leisurely outside a café, embodying the relaxed charm of this Riviera town. Laundry, though still, gently fills the space with a sense of everyday life, its muted tones contrasting with the vibrant surrounding colors. Other figures work in the scene, contributing a quiet yet energetic rhythm to the landscape.
D’Oyly-John’s masterful use of tone and color creates a harmonious balance between light and shadow, allowing for both the clarity of the bright Mediterranean light and the richness of the shaded areas. This original oil painting invites viewers into a lively, yet peaceful moment, beautifully evoking the timeless spirit of the South of 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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