In this striking painting by Kerntke, a vibrant landscape unfolds, characterized by masterfully composed patches of color that particularly accentuate the foreground. Deep red subtropical earth tones stand in stark contrast to the multi-layered shades of the leaf-covered olive tree trunk. Chaos seems to emerge from the black grid-like structures intersecting the branches, intricately woven with adjacent yellowish and greenish lively brushstrokes, forming finely nuanced color fields. A majestic tree rises at the left edge of the canvas, its deeply furrowed trunk structured by bold brushstrokes and lines. Another horizontally positioned trunk in the foreground rests on the red forest floor, displaying an equally expressive, abstractly detailed bark pattern. White splashes of color in the treetops mimic spots of light and interstitial spaces, characteristic of Kerntke’s multifaceted abstractions. Subtle blue-gray tones in the sky lend a serene depth to the painting against the contrasting dark foliage dominating the foreground’s upper area. This sophisticated blend of colors and structures creates a captivating atmosphere, eloquently highlighting Kerntke’s ability to capture the beauty of nature with compelling sensuality.
Landscape with Trees III, 2023, Oil on Canvas, 160 x 120 cm
