Pskov 1919

Konstantin Gorbatov made "Pskov" with oil on canvas in 1911. The painting feels immediate, like it came together quickly, with dynamic brushstrokes, and earthy colors. I imagine Gorbatov outside, trying to capture the light as it flickers across the water. He's trying to get it all down before the sun shifts and the moment vanishes. The paint is brushed on with a broken surface, catching the light. It's a physical thing, like the surface of the water itself. The sky is heavy with those little clouds. I can see him, standing there, moving paint around, trying to get those boats just right, probably cursing under his breath! I love the way the towers are painted. There's a sense of history there, like they've been standing for centuries, witnessing the world change around them. You know, painting is an act of bearing witness, it's a conversation across time. It makes me want to grab my brushes and join in.