Chickens in the Snow

Artist Leonard Rosoman (London, England, 1913 - 2012)

Mediumoil on canvas

ClassificationsPaintings And Drawings

DimensionsOverall: Height: 51 cm, Width: 61.3 cm
Frame: Height: 67 cm, Width: 77.2 cm

AcquisitionPurchased in 1975.

LocationView by Appointment - Aberdeen Treasure Hub

Object numberABDAG003916

Keywords

About MeOnce an official war artist, Leonard Rosoman is also well-known for his murals and animal paintings.

This is a painting of contrasts - of tone and colour - the bold, dark shapes on the left hand side against the pale glow of the snow. There is also a contrast of texture - the cold, hard, stoney quality of the wall as opposed to the soft "featheriness" of the birds. Rosoman uses thick oil paint and bold, rough, brush-strokes to create a textured effect. It is interesting to observe that there is little pure white paint in the snow. Instead the snow is made up of pale blues, pinks and yellows - the colours reflected from the surrounding nature. The light and the weather play an important role in this painting. The bare trees and grey sky, with its promise of more snow, are contrasted by the golden sunlight that plays on the snow, giving it a warm quality, as well as the added interest of shadow and reflection.

More About Me

Collections Wall

Rosoman's distinctive and quirky style is illustrated here. He tutored David Hockney at the Royal College of Art.