Steam carousel at night 1910

Isaac Israels made this painting of a Steam Carousel at night, and honestly, it's the brushwork that first grabs me. It’s like he’s using the paint to build up the feeling of the fair, all those excited people, the swirling colors, the lights… it feels like a memory more than a scene. Look at the way the paint is applied, thick and juicy in some spots, almost dry-brushed in others. See those dabs of white and yellow, trying to evoke the glow of the carousel lights? The way he layers the paint creates depth, but it’s also kind of messy, kind of real. It’s not about getting every detail right, it’s about capturing the vibe, the energy. Israels reminds me a little of Manet, always looking for those fleeting moments of modern life, those scenes of everyday people just living and enjoying themselves. Art, for me, is about capturing those moments, those feelings, and letting the viewer fill in the rest. It’s an invitation, not a lecture.