“Gray weather in cove” is an artwork created by Georges Braque in 1907, demonstrating the vivid and expressive characteristics of the Fauvism movement. The medium used is oil on canvas, and the dimensions of the piece are 60 by 73 centimeters. Classified under the genre of landscape, the artwork skillfully captures a scenic view with rich, dynamic colors and powerful brushwork. It is currently housed at the Neue Pinakothek in Munich, Germany.
The artwork presents a tableau of nature characterized by vibrant colors and fluid, bold strokes typical of Fauvist works. Braque utilizes a palette that diverges from traditional naturalistic colors, infusing the scene with purples, blues, oranges, and greens. These colors are juxtaposed in a way that enhances the emotional effect of the painting, rather than strictly adhering to the true colors of the landscape. The sky is depicted with swirls of purples and blues, signaling atmospheric turmoil possibly indicative of “gray weather,” as the title suggests.
The cove itself is portrayed with rhythmic patterns and shapes, with the cliffs and rolling hills rendered in warm tones that contrast with the cool tones of the foliage and water. The composition conveys a sense of movement and vivacity, bringing the viewer into an immersive experience of the landscape. The forms are simplified, and the outlines are often highlighted, emphasizing the structural aspect of the natural scenery. This work exemplifies the way Fauvist artists broke away from conventional representation and favored a more direct expression of their perceptions and feelings towards the subject.