City Scene 

Esther Newport created this urban scene, using oil paint on canvas. The qualities of oil paint lend themselves to the subject matter. Notice how the thick impasto strokes capture the density of city life. The layering of paint mirrors the stacked buildings, hinting at the work involved in urban construction, and the sheer concentration of people. The materiality of the paint, its inherent qualities of texture and weight, is a powerful element of the artwork. The paint is thickly applied to the canvas with vigorous brushstrokes, giving the scene an immediate and palpable sense of place. Newport uses the movement of the brush to create a sense of bustle and energy, mirroring the frenetic pace of the city. This attention to the application of material elevates the painting, adding a dynamic, tactile quality to the work. Paying attention to materials, making, and context, we can fully understand the painting's rich and complex narrative, moving beyond the boundaries of traditional fine art into a world of craft and social commentary.