First Landing in St. Johns, New Brunswick 1951

John Marin made "First Landing in St. Johns, New Brunswick" with graphite on paper. It's a quick sketch, almost like a visual note, isn't it? Marin's lines are so energetic, like he's trying to capture the feeling of the place, not just what it looks like. The graphite is light and airy, giving the whole scene a sense of openness. Look at how he uses these scribbled lines to suggest the buildings and the water. It's not about perfection, it's about the immediacy of the moment. See that cluster of lines near the center, that's a boat, or maybe a building, or both. This piece reminds me that art isn't always about finished products. Sometimes, it's about the joy of mark-making, the exploration of form, and the simple act of seeing. It's like Marin is saying, "Here's what I saw, here's how it felt," and that's enough. This approach reminds me of the work of Cy Twombly, another artist who embraced the beauty of the imperfect line.