French artist André Derain was a leading figure in the Fauvist movement. He is renowned for his use of color and his expressive, bold brushstrokes.
Born in 1880, in Chatou, France, Derain began studying painting at the age of 15. He was soon discovered by his future mentor, the artist and critic Henri Matisse. The two artists became close friends and would later travel to North Africa together, where they painted some of their most famous works.
Derain’s work from this period is characterized by its vibrant colors and bold, expressive brushstrokes. He later moved away from the Fauvist style, experimenting with Cubism and other forms of abstraction.