Sophomore at Bowdoin 1996

Jamie Wyeth gave us this painting, Sophomore at Bowdoin, and what strikes me is how the earthy tones of the rocks and the young woman's skin create a beautiful contrast with the luminous, almost ethereal quality of the white cloth. It's like he's playing with light itself. Look closely, and you'll notice the textures – the roughness of the rocks, achieved with thick, layered strokes, versus the smoother, more delicate treatment of the fabric. See how Wyeth uses thin, transparent glazes to give the white cloth a shimmering effect, as if it's capturing the very essence of light. The way he handles the paint reminds us that artmaking is a physical process, a dialogue between the artist and their materials. Wyeth reminds me a little of Balthus in the way he can imbue a simple scene with a sense of mystery and intrigue. It’s not just about what’s depicted, but how it’s depicted, leaving us with more questions than answers.