Vesuvius 

Hercules Brabazon Brabazon created this watercolor and pastel artwork, “Vesuvius.” Brabazon's choice of watercolor and pastel is notable. These are not traditional art materials that require extensive studio work, but are instead easily transportable. They are associated with a sense of immediacy and capturing fleeting impressions. The quick, gestural marks and soft, diffused light suggest that Brabazon likely worked en plein air, directly observing the landscape and atmosphere. The artist's technique emphasizes the atmospheric conditions and the hazy presence of Mount Vesuvius in the distance. The pastel adds texture and depth to the clouds and the volcano, while the watercolor captures the fluidity of the sea and sky. The overall effect is one of spontaneity and transience, highlighting the artist's direct engagement with the landscape. Ultimately, this work exemplifies how Brabazon challenges traditional distinctions between fine art and craft, elevating the status of watercolor and pastel as expressive mediums in their own right.