Gorge 1914

August Macke made this watercolor painting called Gorge with soft washes of color and a light touch. The painting feels breezy and spontaneous, like he was trying to catch a fleeting moment, perhaps painting outside on the spot. I can imagine Macke tilting his paper this way and that, letting the pigments mix and mingle on the page. Look at how the colors bleed and blend into each other, creating a sense of depth and atmosphere. The greens and browns of the landscape are offset by the pale blues and purples of the sky, creating a harmonious balance. There’s a certain looseness here that reminds me of other painters who were working at the time, like Emil Nolde, who also embraced the expressive potential of watercolor. It's as if Macke is inviting us to participate in his process, to see the world through his eyes, and to appreciate the beauty of imperfection. His paintings feel like an invitation to slow down and savor the simple pleasures of life.