Figure in the Woods

Literature:
Patricia E. Bovey, L.L. Fitzgerald 1890 - 1956, Winnipeg Art Gallery, page 83, 1958
Notes:
This work, set in the Manitoba countryside, intriguingly includes a mysterious figure. The central tree seems more solid than the figure, which seems to rise up like smoke from the forest floor, becoming more palpable as it rises; both are strong living presences in this painting. Fitzgerald explains his approach to articulating form in his work: "It is necessary to get inside the object and push it out rather than building it up from the outer aspect.This requires endless search and contemplation.an appreciation for the endlessness of the living force which seems to pervade and flow through all natural forms, even though these seem on the surface to be so ephemeral."

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This work, built up with dabs of colour, shows the influence of the impressionists in Fitzgerald's work at this time. With its glowing colour, delicate tracery of trees in the background and enigmatic figure, this work has great beauty and mystery.