Life and career
Origins and training
Vlaminck was born in Paris to musician parents. Before painting became his main occupation, he worked as a racing cyclist. Meeting André Derain in 1900 helped turn his attention towards art.
Places, turning points and artistic change
The friends shared a studio at Chatou. Bright early landscapes gave way to a stronger interest in Cézanne’s construction, then darker landscapes and still lifes, particularly around the Second World War.
Beyond the studio
He also wrote novels, poetry and autobiographical books. His writing and musical upbringing broaden the picture of a maker often introduced only through a few Fauvist canvases.
Works across a career
Selected examples, not a complete catalogue. Read date ranges and attributions before inferring a career sequence.
Reading the selected works together
These early examples move from open landscape to flowers and still life. They are not a complete survey of his darker late period.
- 01
c. 1905
c. 1905
Autumn Landscape
- Material / technique
- Oil on canvas
- Attribution / role
- Collection / source
- The Museum of Modern Art
Artist-wide context
Strong strokes and vivid colours make an ordinary road or riverbank feel full of energy.
- 02
c. 1906
c. 1906
Blue Vase with Flowers
- Material / technique
- Painting
- Attribution / role
- See the museum attribution
- Collection / source
- Thyssen-Bornemisza — Maurice de Vlaminck
Notice how the vase and flowers become blocks of contrasting colour.
- 03
c. 1909
c. 1909
Bunch of Flowers
- Material / technique
- Painting
- Attribution / role
- See the museum attribution
- Collection / source
- Thyssen-Bornemisza — Maurice de Vlaminck
A smaller subject still allows vigorous marks and strong colour relationships.
Materials, marks and colour
Media and surface
Thick oil paint keeps the physical act of painting visible.
Marks and structure
Forceful strokes can make roads, houses and riverbanks feel unsettled.
Palette and light
Early reds and blues are vivid; later landscapes often use darker, heavier contrasts.