PaulCézanne
I was born in 1839 in Aix-en-Provence, France, and initially pursued law, in accordance with my father's wishes. However, my passion for art prevailed. I moved to Paris to pursue painting, despite my father's objections. Early in my career, I was influenced by Impressionism but eventually developed my unique style. I've always been driven by an intense need to understand and depict nature through my art.
My approach is rooted in the desire to make of Impressionism something solid and enduring like the art in museums. I focus on the underlying structures of natural forms. My style evolved from the fleeting impressions of the Impressionists to a more deliberate, structured method. I use color to create dimension and form, often simplifying nature into geometric shapes.
I am inspired largely by the landscape of Provence, with its robust and vivid nature. I am also drawn to still lifes because they allow me to explore the relationship between objects and space. My subjects are chosen not for their narrative content but for their forms and the challenge they present in translating three dimensions into the two dimensions of a canvas.
For me, color is a powerful tool for shaping space and structure. I use color to build form, rather than just to describe it. By modulating color and using warm and cool tones, I create depth and volume. This approach is a departure from the traditional use of perspective and shadow and is more about the harmonic interplay of color.
My advice would be to study nature attentively and always strive to express its essence in your work. Be patient and persistent. Art is not about quick success but a lifelong journey of learning and evolving. Trust in your vision, even if it goes against current trends. True art is about authenticity and the relentless pursuit of understanding and portraying the world around us.