Jetties at Bellport 1912

William James Glackens painted this scene of 'Jetties at Bellport’ with oil on canvas, at an unknown date. You can really see Glackens figuring things out as he goes. It is clear he isn't interested in static perfection. Glackens’ paint handling is fairly straightforward – thin washes of colour and tone laid over the canvas create these figures and environment. The colours are muted and pale, yet the overall effect is lively and pleasant, like a slightly faded memory. I find my eye keeps returning to the patch of sandy beach in the bottom left corner. This area of the painting contains a frenetic cluster of brushstrokes and is a place where the artist seems to let loose. Glackens' work reminds me a lot of Pierre Bonnard's paintings; both artists share a similar sensibility and a love for capturing the fleeting moments of everyday life. It's like they are both eavesdropping on the world and recording what they see with a light touch and a playful spirit.