Description
Signed, signed and inscribed verso 'Property of G.W. Service', oil on board
Dimensions
38cm x 46cm (15in x 18in)
Footnote
Provenance:G.W. Service Esq, Myrtle Park, Cove
Exhibited:Fine Art Society Ltd, Edinburgh and London, Three Scottish Colourists 1977, no.69
Note: Cadell's distinctive artistic talents were recognised at an early age, most notably by the artist Arthur Melville, who upon observing the younger artist's drawings, stated that he appeared 'to know instinctively what most people had to go to art school to learn'. At the age of sixteen Cadell travelled to Paris, where he studied at the Academie Julien. Living and training in Paris exposed the precocious young artist to the dynamic, avant-garde movements and developments in modern art that were occurring in the city at that time. As was to be expected, the time spent in Paris had a considerable influence on Cadell, and signs of this resonate throughout his career. Despite exploring and absorbing elements from these current trends and movements occurring in the vibrant, bustling streets and studios of Paris, Cadell developed a distinctively individual approach, reflecting his own character and interests. A man interested in all aspects of taste, elegance and style, he brought a sense of this to all his artworks.
The isle of Iona, off the west coast of Scotland, became an inexhaustible source of artistic inspiration, as well as a place of solace and peace. Cadell returned every summer from around 1912 to 1933, and encouraged fellow Scottish Colourist, S.J. Peploe to join him, evidence of his deep and long-standing infatuation with the stunning light and landscape of this special, spiritual place. The offered painting Iona: Ben More, is not only a beautiful example of his depictions of this 'painter's paradise,' but has an important provenance, coming from the impressive collection of G.W. Service, one of Cadell's earliest and longest standing patrons. Most likely to have been painted from Cows Rock, the piece depicts the distinctive rocky shore, white sands, and clear shallow turquoise waters that so captivated the artist. The painting reflects the artist's talent of capturing the beauty of the island, and ability to impeccably transfer its jewel tones, wonderful light and distinct texture onto the canvas, instantly transporting the viewer to the peace and tranquillity of this sun-drenched scene.