Seascape from Le Croisic
Description: A seascape at Le Croisic, showing the sun setting behind clouds over the sea. During December 1921 Everett stayed at the Fort de L'Ocean hotel, Le Croisic, near St Lazaire, on the Loire-Atlantique. The hotel was positioned above the rocks and afforded such a panoramic view of the sea that he described it as one of the best sea places to stay. He was the only person staying in the hotel, and worked on a glass verandah. From this vantage point he was able to see the sun rise and set over the Atlantic. Everett frequently sailed to St Lazaire, and befriended the skipper of a four-masted barque, 'Hagomont'. He sailed on it for several short trips, visiting fishing ports such as Piriac, Pamic and Nantes. The sketch is seen from a low viewpoint, and Everett has concentrated on the effects of light created by the setting sun on the sky and also by the reflection on the sea. Although the sea is light in tone the sky below the clouds is dark and brooding with the grey tones indicating cold wintry conditions. The sun is shown above the clouds as a vivid orb. There are slashes of brilliant orange tones on the left of the canvas painted with strong impasto strokes. The artist has paid attention to the effects of light above the clouds, concentrating on the vivid light from the sun emanating out across the sky and casting a reflection across the surface of the water. Everett produced a large number of paintings during his stay here, demonstrating his painterly concerns with the effects of light on the sea and sky. The painting is inscribed'Le C' on the reverse.
Creator:
Herbert Barnard John Everett
Time period: 1921
Format: oil on paper
Subject: Oil Paintings
Rights: National Maritime Museum, Greenwich, London
Provider: National Maritime Museum
Providing country: United Kingdom