DEAUVILLE SHORE, 1932... (My new poem inspired by Konstantin Korovin's painting...)

 Deauville Shore, 1932…

(Inspired by Konstantin Korovin’s painting…)

A broken pastel rainbow sky forms its own individual frame,

Hovering above Les Planches, the boardwalk and its Art Deco bathing huts,

Where two fashionable women lean, posing against a rail.

Deauville, a select, desirable resort, whose sandy shore

And chic facilities, offer wealthy Parisiennes a haven to indulge in their fame…  

A place to promenade, to be seen at leisure in the right company,

To sea-bathe, to dress to impress, to smoke audaciously using a cigarette holder,

To drink champagne and to display vivacious mirth at the right times       

With the glamorous set, in the upmarket luxury of romantic Normandy…

Pete Ray…

10th March 2026…

The thoughts of the Sand Martin, an independent source...

'At a time in history when the class divide was still very much in evidence, a leisurely time at a seaside resort was well beyond the means of many in Europe.

This impressionistic painting oozes luxury and relaxation. The entire colour palette, despite the almost fluffy cumulus clouds, is of a wonderfully bright and sunny day. No sun is visible but we see the effects. The tranquil sea is almost transparent in parts and the three white sailing boats or yachts stand out to great effect.

The wide promenade and use of perspective allows us to view the sweep of the beautiful bay. Several beach huts are carefully depicted and lounging casually against the white fence of the promenade behind the huts are two very relaxed and well dressed women. They look tall and slim and

completely at ease in their elegant attire in this environment.

Down by the waterfront there is the impression of several more figures but the place is by no means crowded. The fact of few people being present adds to the allure of this as a place for the better off. It has a genteel ambience.

The painting of the sky is interesting with an unusual myriad of colour including green, purple, apricot, grey, blue and white. Brush strokes are evident, adding movement into the sky as would happen in nature. It is a glorious array of pastel shades and in fact comprises half the painting, arresting the

attention and enhancing the stunning seaside scene of this splendid painting.'