Ebbing Tide, Version Two 1907

Willard Metcalf made “Ebbing Tide, Version Two” with oil on canvas sometime in the late 19th or early 20th century. The way Metcalf builds up these choppy surfaces feels so physical, like he's wrestling with the scene right there on the canvas. Look at how the paint's applied – those short, dab-like strokes create a kind of shimmering effect, especially in the water. You can almost feel the movement of the waves and the cool, salty air. And then there’s this wonderful contrast between the blues and greens of the water and the warmer, earthier tones of the rocks. Check out the way Metcalf renders the rocks in the foreground. Each stroke feels like a tiny decision, a response to the light and shadow playing across the surface. It reminds me a little of Cézanne, who was also breaking down forms into these faceted planes of color. Both artists see painting as a process of constant looking and responding, rather than simply copying what’s in front of them. It's like they're having a conversation with nature.