Paul Gauguin on Color

Very well said and very true words from Gauguin in the following quote:

"There are tonalities which are noble and others which are vulgar, harmonies which are calm or consoling, and others which are exciting because of their boldness. "

-Paul Gauguin

His painting below I think is a good example. One thing I find interesting about it is the contrast between the two different yellows used for the flowers and the background behind them. Also, the contrast between the yellow and red obviously is kind of disturbing, or bold to say the least. A nice grassy green in the apples and leaves is kind of offset by the flesh tone. From the contrast between the halo and the snake in his hand, to the symbolism of the apples, to the flowers and his portrait blooming from them, a lot of things could be said on the theme of the work. But I'll leave that for you to decide. For 1889 or anytime, it is a very interesting painting.

Gauguin - Self-portrait with Halo, 1889 Oil on wood.