Anticipation 

Leo Putz’s painting ‘Anticipation’ uses oil paints applied with loose brushwork. Putz was painting in a tradition which valued direct observation, but also a kind of artistic license. His choice of oil paint is significant; by this time, it was a readily available medium, widely used by both professional artists and amateurs, and that has implications of its own. Putz applies the paint in visible strokes, reveling in the materiality of the medium itself. The forms are loosely defined, with colors blurring to create a sense of atmosphere and light. Look closely, and you'll notice the way he manipulates the paint to suggest texture – the rough bark of the trees, the soft fabric of the woman's dress, the shimmering surface of the water. Ultimately, Putz's painting reminds us that art is not just about representation, but also about the act of making and the artist's engagement with their materials. By paying attention to these details, we can gain a deeper appreciation for the skill and creativity that went into its creation.