Joan Raset Figurative Paintings

Frame size 78x87 cm. Rafael Griera Calderón was born incidentally in Las Palmas de Gran Canaria in 1934. After residing in Olot from 1942 to 19...

Rafael Duran Benet (1931-2015) - River port - Oil on canvas on board Oil measurements 22x27 cm. Frame 24x29. Rafael Duran Benet (Terrassa, 1931 - Barcelona, 2015) is a Catalan paint...

Title: Sitges Artist: Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (1891–1979) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 38 x 61 cm (14.96 x 24.01 in) Support: Canvas stretched over wooden stretcher Framing: Unframed Signature: Signed lower left: Durancamps Period: 1960s (estimated based on style, technique, and materials) Work Description The painting Sitges depicts an evocative scene of the iconic Catalan coastal town. At the center stands the unmistakable silhouette of the Church of Sant Bartomeu i Santa Tecla, surrounded by cascading white houses that descend toward the shore. A solitary fisherman in the foreground casts his rod from the sand, adding a human and melancholic dimension to the landscape. The composition reflects Rafael Durancamps’s mastery in atmospheric construction: the balance between sky, architecture, and figure is achieved through loose yet controlled brushstrokes, and a sober palette dominated by earthy tones, ochres, blues, and greys. The scene conveys stillness, everyday life, and a sense of belonging to the landscape—recurring qualities in the artist’s work. Artist Biography: Rafael Durancamps i Folguera (1891–1979) Born in Sabadell, Rafael Durancamps was one of the leading Catalan figurative painters of the 20th century. Initially trained under Joan Vila Cinca and a friend of Joaquim Mir, he chose a personal path that distanced him from avant-garde movements. In 1926, he moved to Paris, where he founded La Fenêtre Ouverte gallery, bringing together artists such as Salvador Dalí, André Derain, Joan Miró, and Pablo Picasso. After permanently returning to Barcelona in 1939, he exhibited regularly at Sala Parés and established a distinctive style rooted in lyrical light, intimate observation of everyday life, and a refined technique—particularly in still lifes, landscapes, and solitary figures. His work is held in major collections, including the Museu Nacional d’Art de Catalunya (MNAC), the Montserrat Museum, the Sabadell Art Museum, and the BBVA Collection. Comparable Artists Rafael Durancamps can be linked stylistically or spiritually to several major names in modern figurative art: Joaquim Mir – for his lyrical treatment of the Catalan landscape and vibrant light Santiago Rusiñol – for his poetic approach to architecture and the Mediterranean environment Maurice Utrillo – in his sober and nostalgic depictions of towns and vernacular architecture Edward Hopper – for the silent presence of solitary figures in open spaces Darío de Regoyos...

Pluie a Venice is painted in Hambourg's preferred palette of muted blue-green, grey, and gold with splashes of ruby red, deep blue, and emerald green. The soft colors work well for beach scenes and rainy days such as the ones portrayed in this painting. The impressionistic scene shows multiple pedestrians strolling down the boardwalk, shielding themselves from the rain with colorful umbrellas that provide pops of color and balance the overcast sky. The background contains a three-masted ship and Piazza San Marco's famous bell tower and Basilica. Hambourg uses the minimum number of brushstrokes necessary to portray ships, seagulls, buildings and people as well as reflections on the glistening sidewalk. The brushstrokes in the sky have an interesting texture that is controlled yet carefree and there is heavy impasto throughout. His portrayal is both realistic and romanticized. Hambourg was clearly influenced by the great Impressionist artists of earlier generations, perhaps none more than the one with a direct connection to his family. Hambourg's wife, Nicole Rachet, was born into a family with a large collection of works by Impressionist master Eugene Boudin. Rachet's grandfather was a contemporary and friend of Boudin's, and a collector of his work. In their later years, Hambourg and Rachet donated over 300 canvases by Boudin and other artists to the Eugene Boudin Museum in Honfleur, France. It was such a large and important gift that the collection bears...

Title: Playa de Sitges Artist: Joan Abelló Prat (1922–2008) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 33 x 41 cm (12.99 x 16.14 in) Framed dimensions: 37 x 45 cm (14.57 x 17.72 in) Date: 200...

Vaudeville Theatre by Edouard Cortes was painted circa 1955-60 and signed lower left. It is oil on canvas measuring 13x18 in original unlined condition. The piece is included in the ...

Title: Paseo de Sitges Artist: Jordi Curós Ventura (1930–2017) Medium: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 23.6 x 28.7 in Signature: Signed in the lower righ...

Title: Shepherd in the Pyrenees Artist: Enric Porta i Mestre (1898–1993) Technique: Oil on canvas Style: Post-Impressionism with Expressionist influences Dimensions: Unframed: 23.6 x 31.9 in Framed: 29.9 x 38.2 in Signature: Signed in the lower right corner as "E. Porta". Date: 1956 (according to the inscription on the back). DESCRIPTION OF THE WORK Shepherd in the Pyrenees by Enric Porta i Mestre depicts a rural scene with a striking sense of introspection and evocative charm. The painting portrays a shepherd tending to his flock amidst the mountainous landscape typical of the Catalan Pyrenees. The composition captures the serenity and beauty of nature through vibrant colors and dynamic brushstrokes. The work reflects a Post-Impressionist style with loose, bold strokes and vivid tones, combined with Expressionist influences in its ability to evoke emotions beyond the physical depiction. The energetic and textured brushwork infuses the painting with a lively rhythm, while the rich palette of greens and blues immerses the viewer in the landscape's tranquil atmosphere. In this piece, Porta i Mestre showcases a mastery of color and light, illustrating his deep connection to his homeland and its rural life, which served as a source of inspiration throughout his career. ARTIST BIOGRAPHY Enric Porta i Mestre (La Pobla de Segur, 1898–1993) was a Catalan painter known for his landscapes, still lifes, and costumbrist depictions. Trained in Lleida and Barcelona, Porta debuted in 1922 with an exhibition in the Catalan capital. He later moved to Paris to further his artistic studies, where he connected with avant-garde artists such as Miquel Villà...

Vibrant fauvist portrait of a woman by Sarena Rosenfeld (American, b. 1940), 1995. Signed and dated lower right hand corner and on verso. Titled "Smoke and Mirrors." Gallery wrapped ...

"Fragment" by Rudolf Kosow is a compelling painting that intricately uses the medium of wood to enhance its textural and emotional depth. The artwork features a close-up of a human f...

Title: Market of Olot, Spain Artist: Manuel Zamora Muñoz (1928–2006) Technique: Oil on canvas Dimensions: 65 x 81 cm (25.6 x 31.9 in) Framed dimensions: 90 x 106 cm (35.4 x 41.7 ...

Rafael Duran Benet (1931-2015) - Lovers - Oil on canvas on board Oil measurements 38x46 cm. Frameless. Rafael Duran Benet (Terrassa, 1931 - Barcelona, 2015) is a Catalan painter, ne...