Mr. F and I are generally cheerful, non-moody people, but we each have what we call our “blah” days. You know the ones, the days when you just aren’t feeling quite yourself, the days when all you want to do is curl up in bed, speak to no one and watch trash tv all day. These paintings by French artist Lou Ros struck me in their contemplation and moodiness, beautifully painted representations of melancholy.
From the use of a primarily grey and neutral palette with punctuations of pink and other vibrant colors, we’re reminded that although the grey sets in temporarily, it is by no means permanent. I love the artist’s use of frenetic brushwork and drips, the slightly “unfinished” quality to each piece accentuating the fleeting nature of mood.
To see more work by Lou Ros, please visit the artist’s website.
All images via the artist’s website. Artist found via The Artful Desperado.
Grace Cote
March 7, 2014 at 8:34 AMThese are absolutely gorgeous!
Have you noticed a trend in this type of portraiture, where it’s super painterly and semi-unfinished, but also so emotive and friction-filled? I am loving this trend! Look at the picture at the bottom of this piece on Nathan Ford – http://seaofgray.com/2012/07/26/the-art-of-incompletion-cityscapes-by-nathan-ford/
or these Kim McCarty watercolor pieces – http://seaofgray.com/2013/02/13/kim-mccarty/
Do you think the kind of introspection communicated in these types of works is a sign of the current state of our world, hyper focused in some aspects, but really generalized in others? (I’m thinking of people looking at phones and blocking out their world – the generalized part -, but at the same time plugging into a broader – internet – world)….
anyway, we are on the same page about how powerful these images are. I love this artist you shared!
Artsy Forager
March 7, 2014 at 10:39 AMI have noticed the trend, Grace and love it! Always a fan of expressive line and brushwork, I am drawn to this type of figurative work every time. I do think you’ve hit on something with the parallel between this style and the world we live in with the hyper focused areas juxtaposed with looser, unfinished elements. Love that thought!
Deb Haugen
March 7, 2014 at 9:35 AMLou is one on the top of my love list.
Artsy Forager
March 7, 2014 at 10:40 AMDon’t know what I love more, his palette, line quality or brush work. Simply stunning.