Paysage À Collioure 1905

Henri Matisse made this landscape in Collioure, probably with oil on canvas, using an approach that’s all about laying down marks and letting the painting build itself up. The color palette is vibrant, but not in a way that feels too planned out, more like an improvisation. Up close, you can see how the paint is applied in these quick, almost choppy strokes. It's not about blending or creating smooth surfaces; instead, it's like Matisse is letting each brushstroke have its say. Take a look at the way he renders the trees. They’re not just green; there's blue and yellow mixed in, giving them this lively, shimmering quality. The ground looks like a patchwork of greens, blues, and even some pinks, creating a sense of depth without traditional perspective. Matisse reminds me a bit of Bonnard, both of whom were interested in capturing a feeling of light and atmosphere, but each has their own way of doing it. Ultimately, this piece is a reminder that painting is a process.