Portrait de femme

This small painting by William Brymner, likely from around 1915, showcases his delicate, impressionistic style. It depicts a woman seated in a serene woodland, knitting with pink yarn. Her deep blue dress, white collar, and red-orange headscarf contrast beautifully with the surrounding forest, drawing attention to her. Brymner’s loose brushstrokes convey movement, particularly in the dappled green foliage, while the wood panel’s texture adds depth and a natural, organic feel to the scene.

The woman’s downcast gaze and relaxed posture suggest peaceful solitude, reflecting Brymner’s ability to capture intimate, everyday moments. Painted likely en plein air, this work illustrates his sensitivity to natural light and atmosphere. Influenced by French Impressionism and the Barbizon School, Brymner, a pivotal figure in Canadian art, infused this painting with naturalistic color and soft, atmospheric effects.