Winter at Giverny 1886

This is Claude Monet’s Winter at Giverny, likely made in the late 1800’s with oil on canvas. Rather than trying to create an illusion of space, Monet revels in the flatness of the picture plane. You can see the way the paint has been directly applied, stroke upon stroke. This directness of application, called “alla prima”, imbues the work with a real sense of immediacy. Monet is not only depicting the light of a winter's day, but also the very act of painting. In contrast to the Old Masters, who would build up their paintings through many layers of glazing, here we see the artist at work, quickly capturing the scene. Of course, such spontaneity relies on a great deal of practice. A painting like this is not just a representation, but a record of the artist’s skill. This is true of all creative practices, from ceramics to woodwork. Understanding the labor involved in making something helps us appreciate its true value.