Contemporary Abstract Expressionist Landscape. ‘Le Petit Chemin’ by Bernadette Van Baarsen.

Contemporary abstract expressionist pastel on paper of a Provençal landscape by Dutch artist Bernadette Van Baarsen. Signed and dated to the bottom left and presented in a plain wood frame. The painting comes with a certificate of authenticity from the artist.

One of a new series of exciting, colourful, innovative and expressive works offering views of the landscape of Provence. Bernadette has taken and amplified the beautiful light in this wonderful part of the world breaking it down into its myriad components resulting in an explosion of colour. A hint of orange in the sky of a setting sun imbues the scene with warmth. A small path leads the eye through the middle of the painting via the green cypress up to the distant sky. Strong yet simple abstracted shapes allow the colour to reign.

Bernadette (‘Berna’, as she autographs her works) VAN BAARSEN was born and raised in Amsterdam, the Netherlands. After finishing her high-school she followed trainings to be a nurse and architect, whilst at the same time being a lead singer in two Dutch punk bands and making sculptures in plexiglass. Later in life she decided to pursue an academic career and obtained a PhD in psychology and medical ethics. She worked as associate professor at the Free University of Amsterdam and was member of several high-level medical-ethical committees. In 2015 she settled in France. Being essentially autodidact, she took up painting, in particular after being inspired by the Provençal landscape and friendships with fellow artists. In recent years she has shown her work at successful exhibitions in Provence