Algoma in November 1935

A.Y. Jackson made this painting, Algoma in November, at some point in his career, using brushes loaded with paint, probably in his studio, but after many sketches outdoors. I can imagine him trying to get the feeling of a Canadian winter landscape, all muted colors, dark lines, and low horizon. But here, it’s like the sky and the land are fighting for dominance. Those cloud lines are relentless, almost like the ridges of a plowed field. You feel the weight of the weather and the starkness of the landscape, but there’s also this feeling of endurance, which is very Canadian, of course! Look how the paint is applied. It's not trying to trick you into thinking it's a photo. The paint stays paint, with visible strokes and dabs of color. Jackson wasn’t just painting a scene; he was also painting the act of seeing, thinking, and feeling the cold air. In that way, it's a little bit like Courbet. There is a conversation going on between artists over time. Each painting is one step in that back-and-forth. It’s not about getting it “right”, but about keeping the conversation going.