Samuel Peploe made this oil painting, "Barra," probably on site, en plein air as they say, working rapidly to capture the fleeting light and atmosphere. The canvas pulses with thick strokes of blues, whites, and greens, evoking a windswept coastal scene. I can imagine Peploe standing before the subject, squinting in the salty air, palette in hand, trying to simplify the scene to its most essential elements. It’s like he’s thinking: how can I convey the feeling of this place with just a few strokes of paint? Look at how the paint is applied so freely, almost carelessly, yet it all comes together to create a convincing image. I think his gesture captures the feeling of constant motion with its short, choppy marks. The land is just another textural element like the sea and sky. Peploe was part of a group of Scottish Colourists who were soaking up the influence of French Impressionism and Post-Impressionism. When I look at this painting, I am reminded that artists everywhere are looking at each other’s works and constantly in conversation across time.
CollectMore like this
