Route en forêt 

Narcisse-Virgilio Diaz created this watercolor painting to capture a scene in the forest. It's made with pigment suspended in water, applied with a brush to paper. Watercolor’s very nature invites spontaneity; unlike oil paint, it dries quickly, demanding decisions be made in real time. Look closely at the dappled light effect; Diaz let the water do its work, allowing the colors to blend and bleed, a technique aligning with his pursuit of capturing fleeting atmospheric conditions. The use of watercolor also allowed Diaz to create this work outdoors, 'en plein air', connecting to the emerging culture of leisure and a growing appreciation for the natural landscape. The artwork mirrors the artist’s own journey through life, marked by challenges and resilience. Having lost a leg to disease early in life, Diaz turned to art, finding solace and expression in the forest. His painting becomes more than just a depiction of a scene; it embodies his personal narrative and the human connection to the natural world. The painting invites us to reflect on the simple joys and the profound connection between art, life, and the world around us.