Approaching Clouds across the Shore

This pastel testifies to Suzor-Coté’s interest in atmospheric effects. It differs from his better-known works in the economy of the representation—basically, heavy storm clouds reflected in an expanse of water—while its note of Symbolism brings to mind certain of Ozias Leduc’s remarkable charcoal drawings. Using pastels enabled Suzor-Coté to study colour values, and although he often used the medium prior to painting a canvas, he valued it as much as he did oils because of its finished appearance. Of his first exhibition at the Montreal gallery of Scott and Sons in 1901, a columnist from the Montreal Daily Star wrote: “Many people think that of the whole collection, it is the pastels that merit the highest praise.”