Hutchison House, Easthampton 1919

Childe Hassam made this painting of Hutchison House in Easthampton with oil paint. You can really see the process in this painting, can’t you? It’s all about the marks! Hassam’s brushstrokes are like little tiles, building up the form of the house and the foliage around it. The color is so atmospheric, a hazy summer blue that drenches everything. Look at the way he dabs the paint, creating this shimmering effect, especially in the overgrown entrance. It’s not about perfect representation, but more about capturing a mood, a feeling of light and warmth. It reminds me of Monet, but with a more American sensibility. It’s as if he's saying, "Here’s how I see this place, not just what it looks like, but how it feels." And that's what I love about painting; it’s an ongoing conversation, always questioning, always exploring.