Iltausva Kolilla 

Eero Järnefelt made this landscape painting in oil paint, a material with a history as rich as the landscapes it depicts. Oil paints are a suspension of pigment in drying oil, typically linseed, and demand considerable handwork. The artist grinds the pigments and mixes them to achieve the right consistency, coaxing the paint onto the canvas, layer upon layer, to create depth and atmosphere. Here, Järnefelt captures the essence of the Finnish landscape, emphasizing the textures of the trees and the misty atmosphere. The way he applies the paint, with visible brushstrokes, is crucial. It reflects a conscious choice to showcase his labor, transforming the landscape into a field of artisanal work. This direct engagement with materials and processes is vital to understanding the artistic act, and encourages us to see painting not just as representation but as a form of material craft.