Thermos, Aitoloakarnania 1921

Konstantinos Maleas painted this landscape, Thermos, Aitoloakarnania, using brushes and oil paint. The way paint has been applied is key to its impact. The material qualities of oil allow for rich colors and textural depth. You can see a variety of brushstrokes throughout the composition, from the feathery strokes suggesting foliage, to the thicker strokes defining the forms of the trees. The viscosity of the oil paint enabled Maleas to create a sense of depth, layering colors to build up the landscape. The processes Maleas engaged with are part of a long tradition of landscape painting. It's interesting to note the labor and time involved in creating such a work. The act of painting itself, the blending of colors, the careful application of each stroke – all speak to the artist's skill and dedication, challenging our conventional distinctions between art and craft. Ultimately, understanding Maleas's choice of materials and making enriches our appreciation of this captivating landscape.