Honfleur 4 4 – Roger Bailleul

Analysis of the work “Honfleur 4.4” by Roger Bailleul

Made in oil on canvas measuring 22 x 27 cm, this work is a continuation of his meticulous exploration of the port of Honfleur. Once again, Roger Bailleul demonstrates his technical mastery by restoring the tranquility and beauty of one of the most emblematic places in Normandy with striking precision and realism, especially for a work of this size.

The first thing that catches the eye in this painting is the richness of the details, despite the small format. Every element, whether slate roofs, historic buildings or sailboats moored in the harbor, is depicted with surgical precision. The subtle textures of materials, from the wood of boats to the stone of buildings, are rendered almost palpably. This attention to detail, combined with a delicate application of color, gives the whole an impression of reality while preserving the poetic soul of the scene.

The treatment of light is an essential component of this work. The sun gently illuminates the roofs and facades of Normandy houses, while the reflections on the water create a calming atmosphere. Roger Bailleul uses the oil technique here to play on transparency and reflections, particularly on the surface of the water. The play of shadows and light reinforces the depth of the image and allows you to feel the warmth of a beautiful day in Honfleur.

The sailboats, placed in the foreground, add a dynamic element to the composition. The contrast between their white and red hulls and the colder tones of the bluish and gray buildings in the background gives relief to the whole. Roger Bailleul excels in creating this harmony of colors, where each shade complements each other without ever overwhelming the other, thus reinforcing the visual balance of the work.

The choice of framing is also judicious, because it allows the viewer to embrace both life on the quay, with the bustling restaurants and buildings, and the tranquility of the motionless boats. The perspective, perfectly controlled, naturally guides the eye towards the heights of the buildings, where the slate roofs stand out clearly against the clear sky.

This work, like the others in the series, demonstrates great patience and technical rigor. Working in oil on a small surface requires careful application of paint layers, with long drying times. The result is a scene that is both alive and frozen in time, an invitation to immerse yourself in the picturesque atmosphere of the port of Honfleur.