An Impressionist That Speaks To Me
- Elsa Vincent
- Mar 5
- 2 min read
Like so many of us engaged in the world of art, my first love was Impressionism. The sketchy brushstokes, vibrant palettes, and modern subjects captured the attention of 19th century Europe, and remains an artistic and cultural influence to this day. If you’re looking for a modern take on this classic style, you have to see Lise Drouin’s works on display at Galerie d’Art Emergence.
Drouin has several sketches on display, with Juliette I and Juliette 2 making a pair of figure studies. They depict a reclined Juliette looking over her shoulder. Both demonstrate Drouin’s formal knowledge of rendering the naked human body, a crucial artistic skill. The sketchy outlines and deft shading create the impression of Juliette’s movements, the bend of her elbow, the twist of her torso. The sketches are further elevated by the swatches of muted fuschia that gently crest Juliette’s outline. Complete with strokes of slate and black, the accents of the pieces make them lively interpretations of a classic subject.
This theme continues with Drouin’s À corps ombré 2. This piece also features a sketched figure, but this one has been entrapped in swaths of laurel green. Her hands melt into the paint as she stretches her body towards something we cannot see. The green rain downs around her, obscuring her face, transforming her human form into something more animalistic. The application of the paint is textured, as if applied with a sponge, which intriguingly creates an almost child-like feel to the piece. The figure's arms remain strong as they hold her up against the barrage of color. A shaded body indeed.
Drouin’s largest piece is En toute intimité. The piece is a modern depiction of the “La Toilette” image, a common Impressionist theme that depicted someone in their bathroom mirrors. Conventionally, these women would be shown turned away from the viewer, body contorted as she went about her private routine. The figure in Drouin’s piece also turns away from us. Their torso twists, and although the body is not done in extreme detail, the viewer can feel every movement. This piece is particularly exciting for its modern color palette. Vibrant blues and orange highlights make up a pantheon of hues we are more used to seeing in contemporary pieces, or even in art forms like graffiti. The color is bold and modern, electrifying a typical artistic convention and elevating it to new heights.
Come see Drouin’s collection at Galerie d’Art Emergence. 2130 Rue Cresent. Montreal.
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