The path by the river, Maidenhead 1919

Sir John Lavery painted "The Path by the River, Maidenhead" with oils, maybe en plein air, maybe not, but definitely with a sense of immediate looking. The colours? Greens, browns, yellows – a very observational palette that reminds us of the fleeting effects of light on the verdant riverbank. Look at the paint. See how Lavery uses these visible brushstrokes? They are so direct and full of intention. I'm drawn to the lower part of the canvas, where those sun-drenched patches practically vibrate against the shadows. The way the paint is applied gives it this broken, uneven quality, capturing the dappled light filtering through the trees. It’s as if Lavery is showing us how to see, not just what to see. I'm thinking this piece shares some vibes with Corot, but with a bit more bravura. You get a sense of art as an ongoing conversation; an artist looking, responding, and adding to the dialogue.