On the Shore of the Black Sea 

Konstantin Alexeevich Korovin painted ‘On the Shore of the Black Sea’ using oil on canvas, a fairly conventional medium for its time. Yet, look closely at the surface. See how Korovin applied the paint in short, visible strokes? This wasn't about creating a smooth, illusionistic scene, but instead capturing the immediate sensory experience of being at the water’s edge. The texture of the paint mimics the roughness of the stones and the ever-changing surface of the sea. This approach reflects a shift in art history, where the act of painting itself became as important as the subject matter. By emphasizing the material qualities of the paint, Korovin draws attention to the labor involved in its creation. This was a radical departure from earlier academic styles, which valued meticulous detail and concealed the artist's hand. So, when you look at this painting, consider not just what it depicts, but how it was made, and how those choices reflect broader cultural values about labor, skill, and the experience of modern life.