Eugène Boudin, The Beach at Villerville, 1864,
oil on canvas, 45.7x76.3cm, Washington, National Gallery of Art
Source : National Gallery of Art, Washington DC, online collection, via Wikicommons
license : public domain
Normandy's proximity to England, its seascapes and the distinctive light of its coastline and countryside make it a perfect location for artists who paint directly on site, outdoors. The advantage of these maritime scenes is that the play of light is amplified by the reflections on the water, sharpening the painters' technique.
Although Eugène Boudin painted many subjects, such as beaches (The beach at Villerville, 1864), animals and landscapes, he always included light, which was at the heart of his artistic research.