Tough Winter 1938

Petre Abrudan painted "Tough Winter" with visible brushstrokes that capture the harshness of the scene. I see the making of this work as a process of layering and building up of colours to create a sense of depth and texture. The material aspects of the painting, such as the thick application of paint, convey a sense of the physical struggle against the elements. The dominant greys and whites evoke the cold and bleakness of winter, while the rough texture of the canvas adds to the raw, almost primal feel. Look at the way Abrudan handles the snow, applying it with short, choppy strokes that convey the biting wind. Abrudan's painting reminds me of Pieter Bruegel the Elder’s winter scenes. Both artists capture the daily life and struggles of ordinary people amidst the unforgiving power of nature. "Tough Winter" leaves us with an image of resilience, and the enduring human spirit.