André Derain, a French artist, painter, and sculptor, was born on June 10, 1880, in Chatou, Yvelines, Île-de-France, just outside Paris. He is renowned for co-founding Fauvism with Henri Matisse. Derain's artistic journey began in 1895 when he started studying on his own, contrary to claims that meeting Vlaminck or Matisse initiated his efforts to paint.

Early Career and Fauvism

In 1898, while studying to be an engineer at the Académie Camillo, Derain attended painting classes under Eugène Carrière, where he met Matisse. In 1900, he shared a studio with Maurice de Vlaminck and began painting scenes in the neighborhood. However, his military service from 1901 to 1904 interrupted this creative period. After his release, Matisse persuaded Derain's parents to allow him to devote himself solely to painting. Derain attended the Académie Julian and worked with Matisse in the Mediterranean village of Collioure in 1905. Their innovative paintings, displayed at the Salon d'Automne, were dubbed "les Fauves" (the wild beasts) by critic Louis Vauxcelles, marking the start of the Fauvist movement.

Notable Works and Later Career

* London Paintings (1906): Derain's 30 paintings, including 29 extant works, presented a fresh and quintessentially English portrait of London. These bold, colorful compositions, such as those featuring the Thames and Tower Bridge, remain among his most popular work. * Stone Sculpture and Montmartre (1907): Derain experimented with stone sculpture and moved to Montmartre, influencing his shift from Fauvist palette to more muted tones, reflecting Cubism and Paul Cézanne's influence.

• Fauvism Art Movement: Discover the early 20th-century modern art movement that emphasized painterly qualities and strong color over realistic values.
• André Derain's Artworks: Explore the 309 artworks by André Derain, including his Fauvist masterpieces and later, more subdued works.
• Henri Matisse's The Coast of Collioure: View the Post-Impressionist oil on panel artwork by Henri Matisse, a fellow Fauvist and close collaborator of Derain.

Derain's legacy as a pioneer of Fauvism continues to inspire artists and art enthusiasts alike, with his works remaining a testament to the innovative spirit of early 20th-century modern art.

Early Life and Training

André Derain , a French artist, painter, sculptor, and co-founder of Fauvism, was born on June 10, 1880, in Chatou, Yvelines, Île-de-France, just outside Paris. In 1895, Derain began to study on his own, contrary to claims that meeting Vlaminck or Matisse began his efforts to paint.

Fauvism and Notable Works

Derain's work is characterized by its bold colors and compositions. Some of his most popular works include:

• Harlequin and Pierrot (175 x 175 cm, Fauvism, Oil On Canvas), a painting that showcases Derain's unique style.
• His London paintings, which presented a portrait of the city radically different from previous painters like Whistler or Monet.

Collaborations and Exhibitions

Derain collaborated with notable artists, including:

• Henri Matisse , with whom he co-founded Fauvism.
• Pablo Picasso, whose mistress, Fernande Olivier, described Derain as "Slim, elegant, with a lively colour and enamelled black hair."

Derain's work was exhibited at various notable museums, including:

• Musée Départemental Maurice Denis (France) , which showcased his impressive collection of artworks.
• The Armory Show in New York (1913), a seminal exhibition that marked the start of the Fauvist movement.

Later Life and Legacy

After World War I, Derain won new acclaim as a leader of the renewed classicism. He designed the ballet La Boutique fantasque for Diaghilev in 1919 and was awarded the Carnegie Prize in 1928 for his "Still-life with Dead Game." Derain's presence in Germany during World War II led to his being branded a collaborator, and he was ostracized by many former supporters. Notable Links:

• View André Derain's artworks on WahooArt: https://WahooArt.com/@/André_Derain
• Explore the Musée Départemental Maurice Denis (France) collection: https://WahooArt.com/@@/A@D3CEC3

Wikipedia: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/André_Derain