Tree, Small Point, Maine c. 1915

John Marin made this watercolor, *Tree, Small Point, Maine*, with delicate, transparent strokes. With watercolor, the artist's hand is always present. It is a medium of immediacy and directness, where decisions must be made quickly, and each mark is visible. There is no opportunity to build up layers of opacity as you would with oil paint. Marin uses these qualities to his advantage, embracing the fluidity and unpredictability of the medium to create a sense of movement and energy. The fleeting, light impression captures the essence of a particular moment in time and place, highlighting the relationship between the artist, the natural world, and the act of creation. The appeal of watercolor lies in its accessibility; it is a portable, relatively inexpensive medium. As such, Marin democratizes the artistic process. By emphasizing these qualities, Marin challenges the traditional hierarchy of artistic mediums, elevating watercolor to a medium capable of expressing profound artistic vision.