The Docks at Deauville 1925

Pierre Bonnard made this sketch of The Docks at Deauville in the early 20th century. Just look at the way Bonnard allows the drawing to breathe. I can imagine him standing there, squinting, trying to capture the way the light hits the water, and the boats bob gently. There's a real lightness of touch here, a willingness to let the drawing emerge gradually, through tentative lines and washes of color. Notice how the pencil lines sketch out the basic shapes of the buildings and boats, but the watercolor fills in the details, creating a sense of atmosphere and depth. Bonnard's work reminds us that painting is about more than just representation; it's about capturing a feeling, a mood, a fleeting moment in time. I see the influence of Impressionism, but also a hint of something more personal and intimate. It’s an exchange of ideas across time, inspiring creativity in different ways.