Path Of Flowers 1919

Charles Courtney Curran made this painting, Path of Flowers, with oil on canvas. It’s so wispy and gentle, the kind of painting where I imagine the artist really in tune with their subject, patiently layering those strokes, like a dance. Curran's clearly having a moment with light and its fleeting effects, really capturing this woman in her flowy dress with the most delicate brushstrokes. It almost feels like he is painting the sunlight as much as her. Look at how her green shawl catches the breeze, and the flowers on her hat, each petal seems to breathe. I think it's interesting that even though the brushstrokes are quite small and tight, the painting still holds a certain openness, inviting you to step into this garden with her. There's something about the quality of the light, and the way he renders the dress, that feels very contemporary and so reminds me of the Impressionists! It is like he wants you to feel the air and the sun. This work feels like a tribute to the joy of being present and in tune with the beauty of nature.