Studies c. 1890 - 1922

This watercolor, *Studies*, by Johanna van de Kamer is just yummy. I love the way she's exploring the possibilities of the medium, like one does in a sketchbook. The quick strokes of blues, greens, reds, and browns create a sense of movement and experimentation across the surface. I can almost feel her hand moving swiftly, making intuitive marks and gestures. The light yellow wash in the corner has this dissolving feeling. Was she thinking about light or shadow? Maybe she was trying to work out how to depict the essence of a thing, rather than the thing itself. It reminds me of other painters like, say, Marsden Hartley. They were all trying to get to the heart of feeling through color and form. It makes me want to grab my own watercolors and brushes and just start playing, letting the colors mix and mingle and see what happens. That’s what painting’s all about, the endless conversation.