Edge of Town (Krumau Town Crescent) 1918

Egon Schiele’s ‘Edge of Town (Krumau Town Crescent)’ is an explosion of angular shapes painted in oil. There's a palpable sense of urgency and energy, right? The buildings seem to huddle together, leaning into each other for support. I imagine Schiele, brush in hand, wrestling with the canvas, trying to capture not just the look of the town, but its very essence. It's like he's saying, "This isn't just a place, it's a feeling!" The color palette is earthy, but with these jolts of vibrant hues—reds, greens, yellows—that jolt you awake. Look at how he applies the paint, thick in some spots, thin and transparent in others. It’s not just about depicting form, but about creating a visceral experience. The architecture is almost figurative, but not quite, bringing to mind the work of other painters like Guston. Artists are always in conversation with one another, echoing and challenging each other across time. Painting is a way to feel things out. It’s like a conversation with yourself, where you don’t know the answer but you’re willing to be surprised.