The Fishmarket, Stonehaven 1913 - 1915

James McBey made 'The Fishmarket, Stonehaven' using etching. Look closely, and you'll notice how the etching breathes life into the scene, using thin, scratchy lines. It’s more than just a picture; it's like a stage where the artist captures movement through the act of mark-making. The textures here are something else—you can almost feel the rough stone of the market and the gentle sway of the boats. See the way McBey plays with light? It’s as if the sun is just beginning to peek through the clouds. I am drawn to the line of fisherfolk in the middle of the image. See how their forms almost blend together? McBey blurs their individual identities into a larger feeling of community. The marks used to create this area feel casual but expressive, contributing to the overall mood. McBey's work reminds me a little of Whistler. Both artists share a love for etching. Both artists also use an economy of means to create something evocative. Art is often about what you leave out, and what you choose to put in, of course.