The descending street at Locronan 1906

Maxime Maufra made this painting of a descending street at Locronan with strokes of thick paint, mostly blues, greens, and earthy browns, all mixed to show us what he saw. I imagine Maufra walking up and down these streets searching for the right view and feeling. The marks feel impulsive and physical, like he’s trying to grab the light and the moment. Look how the paint sits on the canvas, thick in some spots, almost like he sculpted the buildings and road. There’s a real sense of immediacy, like he didn’t want to lose the feeling of being there. It reminds me of other painters like Monet, who were also trying to capture the fleeting effects of light. You can almost feel the cool air and the dampness of the stone. It’s like Maufra is inviting you to take a walk with him, to experience the quiet beauty of this little village. That's the great thing about painting, isn't it? It’s not just about what you see, but how you feel.