Study Rushes at Argenteuil 1876

Claude Monet painted *Study Rushes at Argenteuil* using oil paints on canvas. His technique of layering brushstrokes directly onto the canvas is central to how we understand this painting. Think about what it means to use colors straight from the tube. There's an immediacy there, a directness of application, that puts Monet in conversation with the burgeoning industry of art supplies in the late 19th century. Paint was becoming more accessible and affordable, allowing artists to experiment with capturing fleeting moments and impressions of light and color. The very act of painting *en plein air*, or outdoors, was made possible by these innovations. Monet's loose brushwork captures the energy of the landscape, reflecting a moment in time. He allows us to see how materials and making contribute to the significance of the artwork, breaking down barriers between craft and fine art.