The Grove 1912

Andre Derain made this painting, called ‘The Grove’, with oil on canvas. There's something so matter-of-fact about the application of the paint here, look at how the tones are applied, especially on the trees, it’s almost like he’s building them up out of clay. You can really sense Derain working and reworking the surface. Take a look at the colours, so earthy. The way he’s using greens and browns, creates an intense physical experience, it's like you're walking right into the grove. Notice that little bush right at the front? It looks almost like it’s been quickly daubed in, with these small, scrubby marks. These touches bring a certain roughness to the painting, yet the combination of these colours makes for a particularly meditative, earthy experience. This reminds me a little bit of Cezanne, that same interest in the substance of painting, and how the application of pigment can convey a sense of space and depth. Neither of them is trying to fool you into thinking this is a real grove, but they do invite you to reflect on our relationship to the world and our own ways of seeing.