Port of La Rochelle 1921

Paul Signac painted this view of the Port of La Rochelle with oil on canvas, but I can't tell you exactly when. Just look at the whole surface, made of thousands of tiny brushstrokes that somehow combine to create this shimmering, dreamy view. I find the way that Signac builds up color fascinating. It’s all about juxtaposing these little dabs of paint, like he's weaving colors together. Notice how the reflections on the water are built from myriad strokes of different colors, so that the surface comes alive with light and movement. Then, think about what kind of patience it takes to create this kind of image from the sheer labor involved! Signac's pointillist technique is reminiscent of Seurat, but he takes it in his own direction. It’s almost like the Fauves are around the corner. Art is nothing if not a conversation between artists across time, each building on and challenging the ideas of those who came before. It's a reminder that art is never really finished, but always open to new interpretations.