Maine Coast 1940

Ivan Albright, a painter known for his meticulous detail, gives us a glimpse of the Maine Coast. The teal and blue hues of the water are immediately striking, each stroke applied with purpose, showing us that artmaking is very much a process. The physical presence of the paint is undeniable; you can almost feel the texture of the rocks and the relentless movement of the waves. Notice that dark mass in the upper portion of the painting, it's like a looming shadow, maybe even a bad omen. Albright’s commitment to detail and his exploration of the darker aspects of life remind me a bit of Otto Dix. However, while Dix captured the decay of society, Albright seems more focused on the relentless power of nature, leaving us to contemplate our place within its vastness. There is so much more to be felt in a painting like this than can be understood.