The Grove 1936

Albert Benois made this watercolor painting called 'The Grove', and what strikes me is how he embraces the fluidity of the medium. It’s not about perfection, but about capturing a fleeting moment, a feeling. Look at how he handles the trees on the left, the way the dark greens and browns blend together. There’s a real sense of depth, but it's all achieved with such simple washes. You can almost feel the dampness of the earth, and see the soft light filtering through the branches. Then there's this subtle, smoky haze, a kind of natural sfumato. It adds an air of mystery, a dreaminess to the whole scene. Benois reminds me a bit of Corot in his love of nature and his commitment to the process of painting. Ultimately, it’s about the experience, the feeling, and the joy of seeing.