Downtown New York c. 1925

John Marin made "Downtown New York" with watercolor and charcoal, probably in the first half of the 20th century. It's all about process here, a back and forth between the wet washes and the sharp, brittle lines of the charcoal. The thin watercolor gives the image an airy feel, while the charcoal roots it in place with its scratchy marks. Marin uses the white of the paper as a colour in itself. Look how the charcoal lines on the lower left pile up, creating a sense of depth. I love the way these marks anchor the painting, creating a foundation for the rest of the composition to float above. It makes me think of Mondrian, another artist who was inspired by the energy of New York, but approached it from a totally different angle. It’s all just one big art conversation, a beautiful and endless exchange of ideas.