The March Wind 1902

Robert Henri made "The March Wind" with oil on canvas, and what grabs me is how the brushstrokes feel almost like gusts of wind themselves, especially up in those stormy clouds. There's a real physicality to the paint here, not too thick, but not hiding either. Henri lets you see how the image comes together, stroke by stroke. I love the way the sky is rendered in these cool, windy tones, and how the artist makes these colors work together. Look at how the brushstrokes are so directional up above, and then compare that to the land which is flatter. It gives the painting a real sense of depth and movement. Henri reminds me of painters like Courbet, who also weren't afraid to show the rough edges of life and art. It’s a painting that doesn't give you all the answers but invites you to feel the raw, blustery energy of the scene.