Climbing – Françoise Dugourd-Caput

Analysis of the work “Escalade” by Françoise Dugourd-Caput

The work is made in acrylic and oil with interventions in gold leaf, applied with a knife, brush and fingers. The artist describes this creation as a “play of bubbles in a sparkling movement,” which already gives a glimpse of the lightness and energy that emanate from the composition.

The first thing that strikes you about “Escalade” is the richness and vibrancy of the colors. Hues of gold, orange and green seem to burst across the canvas, contrasting with darker, deeper areas. The subtly integrated gold leaf captures the light, creating luminous bursts. This contrast between light and darkness evokes a tension between lightness and gravity, reinforcing the idea of ​​an ascension, a rise towards something brighter.

The bubbles, at the center of the work, are magnificently rendered with touches of transparency. They float and appear ephemeral as if suspended in the air. This rendered movement contributes to the harmony of the composition. This visual “explosion” suggests a sparkling play of shapes and colors. It gives a feeling of fluidity and lightness, as if we were witnessing a joyful and carefree dance.

The use of multiple techniques in this work enriches the surface of the canvas. The combination of acrylic and oil allows for a difference in textures, and the interventions with a knife, brush and even fingers add a tactile dimension. The material seems alive under the artist's fingers, bringing an organic quality to the composition. Gold leaf, applied with care, amplifies this feeling of luxury and refinement while helping to firm up the light.

The idea of ​​an “escalation” in the work suggests a progression, a rise towards a form of achievement or fulfillment. Bubbles, in their upward movement, can symbolize rising ideas or thoughts, a kind of mental or emotional lightness. This notion of rising could also be interpreted as a spiritual quest or an elevation of the soul, where obstacles and darkness, at the bottom of the canvas, are transformed into light and golden radiance at the top.

“Escalade” is a work which, despite its joyful and sparkling appearance, conceals symbolic depth. The contrast between dark areas and bright flashes, between rough textures and smooth surfaces, reflects this tension between the effort of an ascent and the reward of the light achieved. Each visual element, from texture to colors, contributes to this sensation of movement towards liberation.