Mrs. Peploe 1907

Samuel Peploe painted Mrs. Peploe, probably in oil on canvas, with such a direct, unfussy method. Look at the way he’s thrown on the paint, almost like he’s building a sculpture with strokes of color! The surface is alive, not trying to hide the process, but flaunting it. The white of her shirt is this riot of cool greys and creams, not a flat white at all. It's like he’s saying, "Here’s the trick! It’s all about the light and shadow.” Then you see that dab of red for her bow – it's almost comical, a little burst of energy that pulls the whole thing together. The marks don’t seem labored but everything is clearly considered. Peploe reminds me a bit of Manet, that same confidence and pleasure in paint. It’s as if he’s saying, "Don't overthink it; just feel it, and let the paint do the talking!"