Walker Bay from Onrus 1922

Maggie Laubser painted Walker Bay from Onrus using oil paint, and you can almost feel the coastal breeze in every brushstroke. Look at how she lays down these colors—broad strokes of blues, greens, and sandy browns, capturing the scene with a kind of joyful directness. It’s all about the process, like Laubser is chasing the light and the moment itself. The textures here are so crucial; thick paint gives substance to the waves and cliffs, while thinner washes create a sense of depth and atmosphere. Take the way she renders the waves—bold white strokes contrast beautifully with the deep blues and greens, creating an energetic rhythm. The landscape is built up with these distinct marks, layering colour on colour. She's doing her own thing for sure, but I see a bit of the Fauves in her use of colour. Laubser reminds us that art is less about perfect representation and more about a lively conversation, a dance between seeing and feeling.