North Shore, Lake Superior 1926

A. Y. Jackson painted "North Shore, Lake Superior" with what looks like oil on canvas, capturing a landscape in a way that feels both immediate and timeless. Look at how Jackson builds the scene with these broad strokes and earthy tones. The paint isn’t trying to hide itself; you can see the direction of the brush, especially in the way he models those hills. It’s like he’s building up the land, one stroke at a time, right in front of us. The colors, ochres and burnt umbers, create a warm but subdued palette. And notice those little red berries, how they pop against the earthiness, adding a touch of vibrancy that draws your eye. It's like a little spark of life amidst the ruggedness. This piece reminds me of some of the landscapes of Marsden Hartley, with that same ruggedness and directness. Both artists seem interested in the raw beauty of nature, finding poetry in the unvarnished landscape.