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Write Around PAM: Théo Van Rysselberghe

August 8, 2021
“Plage à marée basse à Ambleteuse, le soir (Beach At Low Tide, Ambleteuse, Evening)”. Théo Van Rysselberghe. 1900. Oil on Canvas. 21 ½” x 24 ¾”. Series of bright vividly colored dots fill the canvas depicting the sunset, ocean, and beach. The bottom third of the canvas has a base layer of blue and green dots with purple, pink, yellow, and white drops on top. Estuaries run from the bank, curving through the sand, and into the sea. They are made up of light yellow and orange dots, reflecting the sunset. Near the middle of the painting darker sand depicted by dark green, blue, and brown dots runs along the edge of the ocean which is composed of longer ovals of green, blue, yellow, and pink brushstrokes. Light blue sky covers the top of the canvas with yellow, pink, and red rays extending to the right. Above, red, purple, and orange clouds dot the sky. Long linear clouds on the right and small oval clouds on the left. The painting is framed in a gold frame with highly detailed filigree loosely resembling vines, leaves, and flowers.
Théo Van Rysselberghe (Belgian, 1862-1926), Plage à marée basse à Ambleteuse, le soir (Beach At Low Tide, Ambleteuse, Evening), 1900, oil on canvas, 21 1/2 in x 24 3/4 in, Gift of Laura and Roger Meier. Portland Art Museum, Portland, Oregon, 2011.142

Théo Van Rysselberghe’s painting beautifully captures the summertime: a beach at sunset. Step into this scene with us today, and take a moment to rest. Soak in the colors of the sky, hear the ocean waves, feel the sand between your toes and the breeze on your face. And then, take a few minutes to write down what you notice, so you can transport yourself back whenever you want a little boost of summer magic. We also invite you to come see this work in person at the Museum and take a moment to write with it there.

We have two prompts to help you get started. As always, you can use one, both, or write whatever else comes. Just set a timer for 10 minutes and keep your pen or pencil moving.

Walking on sand… / At the end of the day…

Writing in community is powerful. We are grateful to our longtime partner Write Around Portland for the writing prompts and inspiration. You can revisit past Sunday posts and look for continuing weekly posts through the year. Please share your work with us!  @writearoundpdx @portlandartmuseum #RespectWritingCommunity #WriteAroundPAM

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