Swamp 1942

Albert Urban made this image, Swamp, likely in 1942 using printmaking techniques. I love how Urban uses layers of inky color to create a sense of depth and mystery. It’s all about process here, with each layer adding to the overall texture and feel of the piece. Looking closely, you can see how the different colors overlap and interact. The blues and greens create a murky, watery feel, while the touches of white and tan give a sense of light filtering through the trees. There's a lot of physicality in the image, the ink seems thick and almost gloppy in places, especially around the edges. Notice that squiggly line that defines the figure? It's almost playful, and it brings a sense of movement and energy to the composition. Urban reminds me a little of Milton Avery, both artists have a similar way of simplifying forms and using color to evoke a mood, it is not about perfection or accuracy, it's about capturing an emotional response. For me, this piece is an invitation to slow down, to look closely, and to appreciate the beauty of the natural world, even in its messiest, most overgrown corners.