The Mischievous Puppy 1915

Emile Vernon made this painting, "The Mischievous Puppy", using thin layers of oil paint to build up a scene of tender beauty. Look at that young woman’s gaze, meeting yours with a gentle smile, as the puppy teases her pink scarf. I can imagine Vernon wanting to capture a moment of playful innocence. The soft brushstrokes remind me of Impressionist paintings but with more detail around the figures. How did Vernon manage to make the woman’s skin look so smooth and porcelain-like? It’s like she's glowing from within! The way he used light and shadow is masterful, particularly in rendering the folds of the scarf and the texture of the puppy's fur. You can almost feel the softness and warmth of both subjects. There’s a connection here, for me, with artists like Renoir, who also celebrated the beauty of everyday life. Each brushstroke feels like a tiny love letter to the fleeting moments of joy.