Cool and serene, the easy pace of this river yachting scene by French Impressionist Marcel Dyf is comforting. People at leisure, most sitting at the bank on a deep green lawn, are enjoying the view of several smaller single-sail yachts cruising on the Auray River. The village is a Brittany Coast fixture, and like most French harbors on this coast, the anchorages are actually inland for protection from weather, naval security and to be closer to the grain harvests of the region.
The picturesque city of Auray holds architectural splendor from more than seven centuries. Split by the river, the large wharf districts on both banks were built in the early 17TH Century. The forested region leaves town on the eastern bank, and is a popular nature preserve today.
Pastel tones and a subdued sense of light glows softly in this impressionist painting, with flourishes of impasto application and brushwork which is loose and yet stroked with parallel considerations. The lone tree shown on the western river bank is artistically layered with branches and shadows amongst the foliage in a nice comparison to the heavy woods across the water.This composition holds desirable elements and a charming overall presentation.
