In the Sunlight 1907

John Duncan Fergusson made this painting with oils, probably in a studio, or maybe even *en plein air*. Look at the brushstrokes, how they build up the image with dabs and dashes of colour. I can imagine Fergusson standing before the canvas, squinting in the sunlight, trying to capture the fleeting effects of light and shadow on his sitter's face. I like how the broad strokes of white and blue around the hat give it such an airy, voluminous quality, as if she is surrounded by clouds. And then you have these little bursts of red and green that suggest flowers, all competing for attention. I wonder if Fergusson was influenced by the Impressionists, or maybe even the Scottish Colourists, with their bold use of colour and expressive brushwork. Painting is a conversation across time, with artists learning from each other and pushing the boundaries of what's possible. For me, this kind of painting is not about capturing a likeness, but about capturing a feeling, an atmosphere, a moment in time. Painting allows for endless experimentation and discovery, and it's exciting to see how artists like Fergusson continue to inspire us today.