Roses 

Stefan Luchian made this painting, Roses, using oil paint on canvas. Notice how he builds up the surface with thick strokes, especially in the petals, giving the flowers a real sense of volume. Luchian’s active brushwork is very much in keeping with the Impressionist style. Yet there’s a tension here, too. Painting with oils is traditionally a sign of high status, and Luchian was clearly an accomplished artist. But still life, and flower painting in particular, have often been relegated to the bottom of the artistic hierarchy. It's as though Luchian is setting out to elevate this humble subject matter. He also seems to be celebrating the sheer physicality of paint. It is important to remember that the quality of paints depends on the quality of materials. So, next time you see a painting, think not just about what it depicts, but about how the artist used their materials. It can change the way you look at art.