Bords de la Seine à Vétheuil c. 1920

Matisse made this painting of the banks of the Seine in Vétheuil with oil on canvas. It’s a landscape, but it feels more like a collection of marks, each one so visible. You can see each dab of paint, and how he’s built up the image with these separate gestures. The physicality of the paint is really present; thick in some places, like the trees to the right, and thinner in the water, creating a contrast in textures. The way he uses green is fascinating; it’s not just one green, but a whole symphony of greens that creates depth and shadow. Look at the way the light hits the water. It’s just a few strokes of white, but it completely transforms the surface. It's not about capturing a perfect image, it’s about the act of seeing and painting. Matisse’s earlier landscapes share this interest in the visible brushstroke, a conversation continued by artists like Joan Mitchell, who pushed this approach even further. It’s all about the process, the touch, and embracing the imperfections.