'Autumn reflections in the Newlands forest' - James Yates

Dimensions: 80 x 120 cm (31 x 47 in)

Medium: Oil on Canvas

Autumn reflections in the Newlands Forest' is a magnificent original oil on canvas by the South African master, James Yates (b. 1944). This grand-scale piece, measuring 80 cm (Height) x 120 cm (Width), is a breathtaking celebration of the seasonal transformation on the slopes of Table Mountain near Cape Town. As a prime example of Postwar South African Realism, the work captures an idyllic scene of the forest edge and a still body of water, making it a highly desirable acquisition for collectors of iconic Cape landscapes and African fine art.

The composition is defined by its strong bilateral symmetry and atmospheric light. The upper canvas is dominated by the majestic, rugged peaks of the Table Mountain range, which ascend dramatically into a sky streaked with light, airy clouds and warm, sunset hues. The mountain rock faces are rendered in cool greys and subtle mauves, providing a commanding, timeless presence. Immediately below, the focal point is the dense bank of trees, which transitions across the spectrum of autumn colours: deep crimson, vibrant orange, yellow-gold, and rich evergreen.

The lower half of the work achieves a stunning illusion of calm through the still, dark water, which provides a near-perfect mirror image of the entire upper scene. This reflection is meticulously rendered, disrupted only slightly by small ripples and fallen leaves floating on the surface in the foreground. The resulting composition perfectly balances the transient beauty of the Newlands Forest foliage with the eternal stability of the mountains above.

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