Bushes 1923

Pyotr Konchalovsky made "Bushes," an oil painting, size 61.5 by 70 cm, sometime in the early to mid 20th century. Look at that build up of colour; a process of layering that’s almost sculptural. The paint in "Bushes" is thick, juicy, and tactile. You can almost feel the energy of Konchalovsky's hand as he swirled the brush, packing dabs of emerald, sage, and forest green onto the canvas. The brushstrokes are visible, each one a record of a moment, a decision, a feeling. Focus on the top left corner, where the branches reach up towards the sky. See how the light filters through the leaves, creating a mosaic of warm and cool tones? It’s a masterclass in how to capture the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere. Konchalovsky reminds me of a Russian Matisse, with his bold colours and love of pattern. Ultimately, "Bushes" celebrates the joy of looking and the pleasure of painting.