View of City Rooftops in Winter 1902

Robert Julian Onderdonk’s ‘View of City Rooftops in Winter’ is a painting made with oil. It presents an evocative winter scene through a network of layered brushstrokes. Onderdonk isn’t afraid to let the process show. Look closely, and you'll see how the paint is applied in such a way that the rooftops seem to ripple with a kind of quiet energy. The textures almost mimic the gritty surfaces they represent. The buildings are rendered in a limited palette of browns and grays, punctuated by the pastel hues of the sky. Notice the small clouds of smoke rising from the chimneys. The way they’re painted, soft and diffuse, creates a beautiful contrast with the rigid geometry of the buildings. This focus on urban landscapes reminds me of the Ashcan School, particularly the work of John Sloan. There's a similar interest in capturing the everyday moments of city life, albeit with a touch more romanticism. And like all great art, Onderdonk’s painting leaves space for us to bring our own stories and interpretations.