In the Laurentians, Winter 1910

Clarence Gagnon made this painting of the Laurentians in winter with oil on canvas. Isn't it something how he coaxes out the warmth from this cold landscape? It makes me think about artmaking as a process of discovery. Look at the way Gagnon layers the paint, building up a topography of texture. The brushstrokes are visible and deliberate, not trying to hide the hand of the artist. The snow isn't just white; it's a symphony of blues, yellows, and pinks. Check out the wispy trees to the right, they remind me of calligraphy, elegant and spare. You could compare this to a later painting by Alex Katz. I think it's about embracing the unexpected, knowing that the real magic happens when you let the materials lead the way. Ultimately, it's that openness that makes a painting sing, allowing it to be both a window into a specific moment and a mirror reflecting our own ever-changing perceptions.