Cotenord 

Editor: This is "Cotenord," an oil painting by Eugène Boudin. The way the sky seems to blend with the sea creates such a tranquil atmosphere. It's all soft edges and muted colours. What's your take on this landscape? Curator: Ah, yes, Boudin, the "King of the Skies," as Corot called him! And he was right! I'm drawn into the fleeting moment, captured *en plein air*. Can't you almost feel the cool, damp breeze? I imagine him right there on the coast, battling the elements to capture this ethereal dance of light. There’s a stillness, a sense of contemplative solitude that's profoundly moving. Doesn't it feel like the world is holding its breath? What catches *your* eye? Editor: I love how the light sort of shimmers on the water. Curator: Exactly! It's almost as if the artist is trying to paint the unpaintable – the feeling of being in that very spot. Did you know Boudin was a mentor to Monet? You can see the seeds of Impressionism being sown here, in those loose brushstrokes and that dedication to capturing the transient effects of light and atmosphere. For Boudin it was all about faithfully capturing one’s perceptions, and what that sensory experience evoked, no matter the risk. What do you make of his choice of subject matter here? Editor: I think the quiet coastal scenery creates a dreamy, immersive landscape. Curator: Precisely. Boudin isn't just showing us a place, is he? He's giving us a glimpse into his soul, that deep appreciation for the natural world. Next time I’m by the sea, I’ll think of Boudin, attempting to become one with the air and water. Editor: That's a cool way to approach art!