Blue Water, Antibes 1928

Samuel Peploe made "Blue Water, Antibes" with oil on canvas, using brushes to capture the essence of the Mediterranean coast. Looking closely, you can see how the material itself dictates the image. The thick paint, applied in visible strokes, gives the scene a lively, almost shimmering quality. It's not just about depicting a landscape; it's about the physical act of painting. Peploe isn’t blending the pigment smoothly; instead, each dab of color remains distinct, creating a mosaic effect. This technique shows the influence of Post-Impressionism, where artists emphasized the materiality of paint, breaking away from traditional illusionism. The painting reminds us that art-making is a labor-intensive process. Each brushstroke is a deliberate choice, contributing to the overall effect. By highlighting the materiality and process, Peploe elevates painting beyond mere representation. He encourages us to appreciate the skill, effort, and artistic decisions that shape the work.