Laran ~ An Artist from a Mystical Time
I want to start off my stating that I am not an art expert. I love art. I practice art. I love learning about past and present artists. Hence, I love to meet artists. All this has and continues to build by eye for design and art.
That being said I believe I'm qualified to divulge that I know where one of the last artists from the Lost Generation of writers and artists still lives and paints. You've heard me talk about him before, the man in white who can be found in the quaint town of St. Jacob's County. There is so much to see and learn from Yves Laran that one blog mention surely isn't enough!
He paints night and day. Day and night. Giving his life to his paint brush and canvas. He is an expressionist and post-impressionist artist. I've found that with every great artist there is a sacrifice made as you're devoting hours and days and months to your craft that it challenges life around you. The end result is a masterpiece.
Lush terracotta roof tops, smooth blue mediterranean skies, and deep sea-greens; vibrant hues that scream out to you to join them by the sea.
Laran was born in the south of France near Collioure. A place where the great artists André Derain, Georges Braque, Othon Friesz, Henri Matisse, Pablo Picasso, Charles Rennie spent their days inspired to paint the colourful town. It is no wonder that Laran's work is so powerful with the choice of colour, composition and subject. He lived in a town that ignited the spirits of so many iconic masters.
This year my husband, Mark, and I traveled to this town for our honeymoon and we were in awe of the beautiful weather, gorgeous colourful views, delicious smells, and the welcoming residents. Below are just a few snapshots.
The photo above is a capture of an André Derain painting. It is only one example of the many reproduction art prints from various artists on display throughout the town. Each piece is displayed in the exact area of perspective. As I was standing in that very spot gazing into the image, I could feel the hustle and bustle of the fishermen easing down as the sun starts to set.
When I look at a Yves Laran I see a similar uniqueness captured in the masterpieces created during the 20s and 30s. The movement in his brush strokes, the choice of colours and his simple life narrative are confident and bold. He expresses his subject matter with vivid colour and I'm mesmerized by his work. No matter how many times I view a Yves Laran painting I am continuously finding new details to awe over.
Here I am above with my dear artist friend Mr. Yves Laran. We were due for a revisit this past September. It was great to see him this time in action in the studio while hearing stories about his travels through Europe and his wild days in Miami. Yves has dedicated his life to his craft. Art is his constant. He is always three painting ideas ahead of himself and I can't wait to see what's next.
Visit St. Jacob's Eco Cafe for a glimpse at just a few of the many masterpieces Yves has created and you just might find him sitting next to you with a coffee in hand! :)
Thank for reading.
Until the next post,
Daniela