Banks of Seine 1905

Here we have Andre Derain’s ‘Banks of Seine’, painted with oil on canvas. The earthy palette and visible brushstrokes speak volumes about Derain's process. It’s like he's inviting us to witness the act of painting itself. I am drawn to the way Derain handles the paint. It is neither too thick nor too thin, but just right, allowing the texture of the canvas to peek through in places. Take a look at the road leading into the distance. See how the strokes are laid down, following the perspective lines? It gives the impression of depth. This path, made of paint, invites us into the scene and to wander along the banks of the Seine. Like Van Gogh, Derain uses color and brushwork to express emotion. But unlike Van Gogh, there is a sense of restraint, a quiet confidence in the beauty of the everyday. It’s like he's saying, "Look, the world is messy and complicated, but there's still beauty to be found if you know where to look."