Children Wading 1920

Edward Henry Potthast made this painting of children wading, and the way he lays down the paint really gives you a sense of process. It feels like he’s building up the image, stroke by stroke. I’m drawn to the way Potthast captures the light reflecting off the water. See how the strokes of blues and greens blend together, creating a shimmering effect? It's like he's not just painting water, but the very essence of light itself. The paint is applied with a kind of joyful abandon, each stroke adding to the overall texture and vibrancy of the scene. Potthast reminds me a bit of Pierre Bonnard, in the way he uses color to evoke a mood. Both artists understood that painting isn’t just about representing reality; it’s about creating an experience. And in this painting, Potthast invites us to step into a world of sun, sand, and carefree joy. It’s a reminder that art, at its best, is an ongoing conversation, full of possibilities.