Village on the St, Lawrence River is one of Fortin's most simplistic landscape compositions, employing his signature bold, navy-blue line work.
His artistic approach evolved significantly after trips to France in 1920 and 1934-35. By the late 1930s, influenced by Fauve artists like Matisse, Braque, and Dufy, Fortin began incorporating pure color into his work. The graphic quality of his etchings, which he started producing in 1930, also influenced his painting technique.
This undated sketch from around 1938-39 showcases Fortin's simplified forms outlined in blue, reflecting the Fauvist influence on his evolving style.