View of Segovia 1919

Ernest Lawson created his "View of Segovia" with oil on canvas, using materials that were becoming widely available due to industrialization. Lawson's impasto technique, where paint is thickly laid on the surface, really emphasizes the materiality of the paint itself. You can almost feel the texture and weight of each brushstroke. The way he builds up layers adds depth and dimension, giving the landscape a tangible presence. The painting gives the impression of being rapidly created, en plein air, and certainly seems spontaneous. But don’t be fooled; Lawson, like all serious artists, had to labor mightily to make his work look effortless. He was a master of illusion, and the surface of this painting testifies to his skill. Ultimately, it's this interplay between material, method, and the artist's vision that makes "View of Segovia" such a compelling work, showing how the act of making is central to our understanding and appreciation of art.