A July Day 1914

Edward Henry Potthast painted this beach scene with oil on canvas. The marks are loose, a bit like Impressionism, but looser somehow, and more focused on the figures. The sandy bits are layered with thick paint, dragged and dabbed. It's easy to imagine Potthast out there, trying to capture the fleeting light and the movement of people. And look at the way he handles the water; it's not just blue, but a mix of purples and greens, mirroring the sky and the figures. There's one little girl in a yellow dress; the strokes of paint are so direct. You get a sense of the energy of her play. It feels immediate, like a snapshot, but also timeless. He reminds me of some of the Ashcan school painters, like George Bellows, but with a softer, more idyllic take on everyday life. Ultimately, though, it’s all about the painting, and how it makes you feel – a lazy summer afternoon.