#Olaug Vethal

[artheoryandcriticism]

Olaug Vethal, Cats in the park 1, Oil on Canvas, 2002.

What immediately caught my attention was the directness of the painting, with its expressive brushstrokes and vibrant colours—ultramarine contrasting with fiery oranges, and the almost childlike outlines of the figures. Despite the painting’s large scale, which allows for intricate details, the artist maintains an expressive, almost spontaneous approach. A playful touch, like a cat peeking from the vase, adds a humorous element that makes the piece even more enjoyable to view. As Cassar (n.d.) noted, “…speed in execution was very important for Olaug, as she aimed to capture the immediacy of her feelings towards a subject or mood in a singular moment.”

Cassar, D.J.P. (no date) The artist Olaug Vethal, Olaug Vethal. Available at: https://www.olaugvethal.com/about-us/ (Accessed: 19 October 2024).

[jessyeahh]

Cats in the park 1 - Olaug Vethal (2002) - Oil on Canvas

This painting emits such a playful atmosphere, the choice of vibrant colours, the layering and the abstraction. Vethal is known for how she captures the exact moment - 'En plein air'. Her brush strokes are expressive and contain an immense amount of movement and freeness. They depict the artist's free spirit and her ability to move with the wind as the brush strokes carry no weight.

The cats are loosely figurative, the use of blue and red allows for their bodies to stand out, to be noticed by the viewers. Overall, it's fluid and full of energy and yet, this moment is still and calm as the cats take shade under the dramatic palm tree leaves.

[penceforyourthoughts]

Olaug Vethal (1946-2007)

'Ta' Lisse' (2002)

Oil on canvas

A scene from the Valletta Waterfront, Vethal's work is a performance of colour. A compliation of bold, gestural strokes and chunky applications of paint, a celebration of the liveliness and vibrancy of the seaside town.

Immediatly upon seeing 'Ta' Lisse' I was struck with a sense of childlike joy, looking at the dance of wigly, squiggly brushstrokes. The aura of simple joy and fun radiating from the painting brought a subconscious smile to my face.

The eccageration of movement creates a hightened sense of ecitment and life. The vibrancy of the colour adds a summer glow, encouraging a feeling of warmth.

18/10/2024

[bethnchloemalta-blog]

Artitude gallery (Christine-x)

Artitude Gallery exhibits various local professional artists' works with permanent artists like OLaug Vethal and Goran Cejkov. Artitude Gallery also hosts exhibitions in various other popular venues throughout the Maltese islands and abroad, representing its permanent artists.