Woman in Red Blouse with Tulips c. 1913 - 1914

William James Glackens painted 'Woman in Red Blouse with Tulips' with oil on canvas, and, honestly, it's like he's painting with pure feeling. Look at the brushstrokes, how they build up, thick and juicy in some spots, almost transparent in others. The woman's blouse? It’s a playground of reds, yellows, and little dabs of blue – not just describing fabric, but creating a whole atmosphere. And the way he handles the tulips, that loose, almost slapdash approach, it’s like he’s saying, "I'm not trying to fool you with realism, I'm giving you the essence of flower-ness." Check out how he paints her hands, the way they are clasped in front of her. There's a softness and a gentleness there that really speaks to the tender and intuitive nature of this piece. Glackens seems to be in conversation with artists like Bonnard. Both artists remind us that art is not about nailing down the truth, but about chasing after it.