Village Street 

Konstantin Gorbatov made this painting, Village Street, using watercolors, a medium that allows for fluid and translucent effects. The choice of watercolor is important. It's not an industrial material, but rather a traditional one associated with sketches and preparatory studies. The process involves diluting pigments with water and applying them to paper, creating subtle washes of color. It's a technique that captures the ephemeral nature of light and atmosphere. The hazy, dreamlike quality of the painting is due to the thin layers of pigment, which reveal the texture of the paper beneath. This reminds us of the physical act of applying the paint, and the way Gorbatov has used a light touch to evoke a sense of place. Watercolor's association with plein air painting, capturing the essence of a scene on the spot, reinforces the idea of the artist as an observer. By using this medium, Gorbatov invites us to consider the social context of the scene, and the artist's own position within it. Ultimately, it’s about the relationship between the artist, the material, and the world being represented.