Venice on the island of Burano – Roger Bailleul

Analysis of the work “Venice on the island of Burano” by Roger Bailleul

In a format of 40 x 40 cm, this small painting is a magnificent representation of the beauty of the island of Burano, famous for its colorful houses and picturesque canals. Faithful to his realistic style, Roger Bailleul paints this Venetian island with remarkable technical mastery and artistic sensitivity.

The richness of the colors is magnificent. The facades of the houses, painted in vibrant shades of green, pink, red and blue, create a joyful and bright atmosphere, typical of Burano. Each color is carefully worked, which gives the whole composition liveliness without being aggressive. A certain harmony emerges. The red tiled roofs and shuttered windows contribute to this impression of indefinable charm. It is difficult to represent the enchanting atmosphere of this small Venetian island, yet Roger Bailleul succeeds in doing so.

The canal, which occupies the center of the composition, is a key element of the work. Roger Bailleul manages to express the fluid movement of the water with subtle reflections of the buildings and boats moored along the quays. The boats, represented with precision, give a dimension of life and movement to the scene. The deep blue water is slightly shimmering, it almost seems to be in motion.

The composition is perfectly balanced. The perspective is subtly controlled, with the canal which leads the eye towards the back of the stage on which a slender tower stands, providing verticality. This tower, although in the background, draws the eye and serves as a focal point that gives the work a sense of scale and structure. The bridge in the middle of the canal, on which some characters are walking, also contributes to this feeling of gentle and natural movement.

The characters bring the scene to life, showing the quiet bustle of a sunny day on the island of Burano. They blend into the decor, without ever dominating it, thus reinforcing the idea of ​​a place where architecture and nature are in balance.

The use of oil paint in this work is of great finesse. Roger Bailleul excels in the treatment of his pictorial choices, whether facades worn by time, reflections on the water or shadows cast by sunlight. The transitions of light and shadow are particularly well controlled, bringing striking depth and realism to the scene.