Dufy, Raoul (1877-1953),

French painter of lively outdoor scenes. He was born in Le Havre and studied briefly at the École des Beaux-Arts in Paris. Initially Dufy was influenced by the impressionists, but in 1902 he met Henri Matisse and other fauve painters, who worked in striking, nonrealistic colors and bold forms. Dufy adopted their style and added to it a vigorous, spontaneous use of line.

Gradually his work became lighter, gayer, more luminous, and more dominated by line. This style was especially effective in watercolor. Dufy's favorite subjects were sailing, horse racing, and other outdoor amusements at fashionable resorts. He also painted flowers, musical instruments, and nudes.

Dufy did murals, such as those for the Palais de Chaillot in Paris, as well as easel paintings. He won praise for his graphic work, notably the illustrations for Le bestiaire (1911) by Guillaume Apollinaire. Dufy also made woodcuts and designed textiles, tapestries, and ceramics. His brother Jean Dufy, also a painter, worked in a similar style.