Ancient Forest 

Eyvind Earle made this vivid landscape painting, Ancient Forest, using a meticulous process of layering thin washes of gouache. Earle mastered the medium of gouache, allowing him to create the jewel-like surfaces for which he became known. Look at the way he’s built up the color in the foliage, creating texture with thousands of tiny brushstrokes. The forms are stylized, with a graphic quality that’s almost like printmaking, achieved through the application of thin layers of paint. Earle began his career in the 1930s, producing commercial work that required great facility and speed. This experience seems to have influenced the way he approached painting. Although his landscapes appear highly realistic, they are, in fact, products of careful design and construction. The painting shows a remarkable balance of freedom and control, reminding us that even the most seemingly naturalistic art is the result of skillful making. By understanding the labor involved in its production, we can appreciate Ancient Forest as both a work of art and a testament to Earle’s mastery of his craft.