French Autumn Landscape Oil Painting of Riverside Mill with Reflections

Title: French Autumn Landscape Oil Painting of Riverside Mill with Reflections
By Fanch Lel
Size: 15 x 18.25 inches (height x width)
Oil painting on board, unframed
Condition: The painting is in good condition with minor signs of wear and handling along the edges consistent with age.
Provenance: All the paintings we have for sale by this artist have come from the artists estate and have had no previous owners at all.

Description:
This captivating autumn landscape by French artist Fanch Lel depicts a tranquil riverside mill nestled among golden-leaved birch trees. The small stone structure with its dark slate roof is tucked into the heart of the composition, flanked by dense autumnal foliage and reflected perfectly in the glassy surface of the river below. With its warm ochres, russets, and earthy greens, the painting is a celebration of seasonal change and rural calm.

Rendered in oil on board, the work showcases Lel’s nuanced brushwork and sensitive use of colour. The trees shimmer in yellow and amber tones, contrasted against deep forest greens and the cool grey of the stone mill. Delicate reflections ripple along the water, and the layered foliage provides a rich visual rhythm across the piece.

This mill scene is likely inspired by the French countryside—possibly from Brittany or the Loire region—where historic watermills are often set in wooded valleys. The composition balances human architecture with natural elements, reinforcing the harmony between built heritage and seasonal landscape.

Perfect for collectors of French rural art, autumnal themes, or traditional landscape painting, this piece carries a nostalgic and peaceful atmosphere. The detailed rendering of trees, natural reflection, and strong structure make it equally appealing as both a decorative centrepiece and a collector’s acquisition.

Its warm tone and romantic subject matter would work beautifully in country homes, reading rooms, or spaces seeking a timeless, nature-infused ambiance.