Eesti kunsti oksjonid

Watercolor on paper. 1974.
Signature: R. Uutmaa.1974.a. / R. Uutmaa. “Sügismaastik” 1974.a.

“Pity, under these broad leaves
See you later, my dear“

Excerpt from Doris Kareva’s poem “When Autumn”

From the 1960s onwards, the importance of watercolor in Richard Uutmaa’s (1905-1977) work increased. As time went on, the color scheme became bolder and richer, but he never forgot the basic truth he had learned at Pallas about a balanced color palette. The forest landscapes of the 1970s were mostly painted in his country home in Eisma where, when he stepped out of his garden gate, he didn’t have to go far to experience nature directly.

The most beloved subjects of Uutmaa’s autumnal landscapes were birches with white trunks and warm golden coats and deep green spruces, which, standing side by side, complemented each other beautifully and brought balance to the composition. The artist often sat in front of such a sight on the chair he always took with him on his painting trips and simply enjoyed the view, without always taking out his paper. For Uutmaa, the colors of nature were an inspiration in themselves, the source of his peace and happiness.

Text: Katre Palm