Sunset c. 1945

John Marin created this watercolor painting, Sunset, using paper, pigment and water. Watercolor is portable, and its translucent washes lend themselves to capturing transient atmospheric effects. The fluid, almost gestural quality of the paint, together with the paper's absorbent surface, allowed Marin to work quickly, layering washes of color to create depth and luminosity. The way the pigment interacts with the paper affects the appearance, with textured strokes suggesting movement in the sky and reflections on the water. It’s a relatively immediate process, which suggests direct observation of the landscape. Watercolor has a fascinating history. Although it’s often considered less important than oil painting, it demands great skill to control. Its accessibility has made it a popular choice for both amateur and professional artists, and its association with landscape painting speaks to a romantic sensibility, one that emphasizes the artist's personal connection to the natural world. By appreciating the physical properties of watercolor and the techniques Marin employed, we can gain a deeper understanding of the artwork.