Czóbel Béla , Grosrouvres 1927 

This evocative landscape was created by Béla Czóbel in 1927, likely en plein air in Grosrouvres, France, using pastels on paper. The artist’s hand is evident in the vigorous strokes of color; a rich impasto created through layering the dry pigments. The velvety texture is due to the powdery nature of pastels, a medium beloved for its immediacy. Pastels sit lightly on the page, unlike oil or acrylic paint, which may be blended or reworked. Czóbel used this quality to capture a fleeting moment in time. While seemingly informal, the landscape is far from arbitrary. The artist’s labor is visible in the deliberate application of hues – the browns of the tree trunk against the contrasting greens and yellows of the surrounding field. By emphasizing the materials and making processes of this artwork, we recognize the artist's skill in elevating everyday scenes to art. This approach challenges the conventional hierarchy between fine art and craft, acknowledging the value of skilled handwork and thoughtful composition.