Bonnard - The Mimosa Workshop

At the beginning, critics nicknamed him the "Japanese Nabi", then Pierre Bonnard (1867–1947) became the "Painter of Happiness". He joined the Nabi movement with a decorative style strongly inspired by Japonism. Then, he was very influenced by Impressionism, some even called him "the last of the Impressionists". His art has as its main source of inspiration his own life, he refers to the interiors he inhabits and to his wife Marthe. He produced works with varied subjects such as still lifes, landscapes, interior scenes, nudes and portraits. Pierre Bonnard is also one of the most brilliant colorists of the 20th century, his works are bright and joyful.

In "L'atelier au mimosa" the use of very bright colors and a varied touch brings great finesse to this painting. At the top left we can see a village below, just below his sublime mimosa garden. At the bottom left of the painting, a face seems to stand out from the wall, is it an apparition or simply Marthe, his wife? In this work, the artist offers us a clever mix of sensation, mystery and reality. "It is not about painting life but about making painting come alive!"