Girl in White 1907

Samuel Peploe made 'Girl in White' with oil on canvas, and what strikes me is its delicate balance between form and dissolution. The way he’s built up this image, it feels like it’s emerging—maybe even dissolving—right before our eyes. The dominant impression comes from the broad, confident brushstrokes in a restrained palette of whites, blues, and grays. The paint is applied with a casualness that belies real control. See the way the brush moves around the folds of the dress—each stroke feels purposeful yet spontaneous, capturing the essence of light and shadow. You get the sense that Peploe was thinking about Whistler and Manet, but also forging his own path. It’s the painterly language that speaks most loudly here. These artists are all in dialogue, challenging and inspiring each other across generations. What a conversation to be part of! For me, it’s not about the subject, it’s about how the artist embraces uncertainty and the unknown, allowing the painting to guide the way.