Parisian Thoroughfare — Acrylic on Paper by Arnaud Quercy

About This Artwork

This acrylic painting translates the rhythmic energy of Bud Powell's 1951 jazz composition "Parisian Thoroughfare" into visual form. Part of the "City of Lights, Shadows of Thoughts" collection, the work explores how musical improvisation can become a language of color and movement on paper.

The composition features bold vertical brushstrokes that create an energetic interplay across the surface. Dark browns and dimgrays form the foundation, occupying substantial areas of the painting, while burlywood and rosy brown tones provide warm counterpoints throughout. Burnt sienna and Indian red accents punctuate the composition with vivid intensity, creating rhythmic patterns that echo Powell's syncopated piano lines. Bright white highlights appear sparingly but strategically, adding sharp contrast points that catch the eye like musical accents.

The painting measures 31.0 × 41.0 cm on paper and weighs minimal for easy display. Certificate of authenticity number 20231231-0014 accompanies the work, with the artist's signature located on the back. This piece demonstrates Quercy's approach to translating jazz improvisation into painterly gesture, where each brushstroke corresponds to musical phrasing and tonal relationships.