Boats in a harbour 1928

Konstantin Gorbatov painted ‘Boats in a Harbour’ using oil on canvas. Look at how the brushstrokes here, they’re almost playful. The painting feels like it's not just about seeing but about doing. The surface is a flurry of activity, isn't it? Thick daubs of paint conjure up these fluffy clouds and the gentle ripples on the water. The colours are vibrant, but there is a kind of muted palette, creating a dreamlike atmosphere. Focus on the way the light catches those sails – they're not just flat surfaces, but textured planes of colour that feel almost touchable. See how he’s built up the layers of paint, creating this wonderful sense of depth. It makes me think of early Impressionists, like Monet, but with a uniquely personal take. It's like Gorbatov's inviting us to embrace the beauty of imperfection and to see the world through a slightly blurred, very colourful lens.