Nantasket 1905

Maurice Prendergast painted this small watercolor, *Nantasket*, with a playful spirit, letting the medium run and bloom across the page. It’s a process of controlled chaos, where the vibrancy of the colours and the looseness of the marks create a feeling of spontaneity. Look at how he lets the figures emerge from the rocks and the sea. The watercolor bleeds into soft edges and dappled light, and this makes me think about how our memories soften over time. You can almost feel the breeze, and see the movement of the crowds enjoying a day out. I love the way he captures the energy of the beach with such simple, translucent strokes. There’s something very modern in the way he’s able to flatten perspective, it reminds me of Bonnard or Vuillard, who also used these techniques to make intimate, domestic paintings. It shows how painting is an ongoing conversation, isn't it?