This captivating oil painting by Cecil Rochfort D’Oyly-John, titled The Road from Vallauris to Cannes, French Riviera, offers a vivid portrayal of Mediterranean life, expertly capturing the warmth and vibrancy of the region. With his distinctive palette knife technique, D’Oyly-John brings to life the sunlit landscape, layering brilliant greens in the trees and soft blues in the sky. His skilled handling of light and shadow creates a sense of depth, while maintaining the clear, bright quality that is characteristic of his style.
In the foreground, a group of figures relax outside a café, embodying the leisurely atmosphere of the French Riviera. Nearby, laundry hangs gently in the breeze, adding a touch of everyday life to the scene. Though still, the laundry contrasts with the lively colors of the surroundings, enriching the painting’s vibrant energy. Other figures engaged in work further animate the landscape, contributing to the overall rhythm of the piece.
D’Oyly-John’s exceptional use of tone and color ensures a striking balance between light and shadow, capturing both the clarity of Mediterranean daylight and the richness of the shaded areas. The composition invites viewers into a peaceful yet dynamic moment, evoking the timeless spirit of the South of France.
D’Oyly-John’s work is highly regarded, with a number of his paintings having been acquired by The Queen Mother for the Royal Collection during her reign. His art can also be found in numerous prestigious collections around the world, further attesting to the enduring appeal and quality of his paintings.
| 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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