Second Beach, Newport c. 1878 - 1880

Worthington Whittredge made "Second Beach, Newport" with oil paint on canvas. The artist has rendered the scene with such careful detail, that you can almost feel the cool ocean breeze and the warmth of the sun on your skin. The materiality of paint allows Whittredge to create such a life-like scene. Notice the variation in texture – from the smooth, glassy surface of the water to the rough, grainy texture of the sand, which helps to give the painting a sense of depth and realism. The artist's skilled use of brushstrokes help bring out the inherent qualities of the material, and imbue the artwork with social and cultural significance, capturing the leisure activities of the upper classes in the late 19th century. Ultimately, paintings such as this one demonstrate how the fusion of material, making, and context challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.