In The Garden 1903

Mary Cassatt’s ‘In The Garden’ captures an intimate moment in oil on canvas. The brushwork feels so present, like she's figuring it out as she goes, which to me is what painting is all about. Look at the way Cassatt handles the pink in the child’s dress. It’s not just one flat tone; she builds it up with layers, creating a shimmering, almost vibrating effect. I love the way the dress is painted so tenderly, with all the little details of the fabric picked out. The texture of the paint is thin, but you can almost feel the silkiness of the dress. There's something about the way Cassatt positions her figures that reminds me of Degas, but with a tenderness that feels distinctly her own. The painting isn't about perfect representation, but capturing a feeling, a moment of connection. In art, like in life, the real beauty is often found in the in-between spaces.