Heybridge 1923

James McBey made this watercolor painting, Heybridge, with some loose, wet washes. What I really notice is the way the artist leaves areas of the paper untouched. It becomes part of the composition. There’s a lovely push-pull here between the figures, boats, and buildings, which are quite precisely described, and the overall impression of a breezy day. The pale hues and fluid application give the scene a feeling of spontaneity, like it was all dashed off in one go. But you know that’s not true. Look closely, and you’ll notice the way McBey layers his washes to create depth and shadow. See the masts of the boats, how they reach up and get lost in the clouds? It’s the kind of gesture that suggests both confidence and humility, a willingness to let go of control and let the painting breathe. I am reminded of John Singer Sargent, who was also a master of the watercolor medium and was able to balance the demands of observation and improvisation. Ultimately, art is about finding that balance, embracing the unknown, and allowing the work to surprise you.