Correspondence 1912

Carl Larsson made this watercolour, Correspondence, probably around the turn of the century. Look how he captures light, like it's playing hide and seek in the room. It's that lovely watercolour thing, all about letting the white of the paper shine through. The way he handles the brush feels almost casual, but don't be fooled, it's deliberate. See that stripey shirt on the girl? The colours are so soft, just a whisper of red and white, not blocked or solid. The way he's layered the watercolour in gentle washes. Now, check out the window. Those plants are like a party, all tangled and reaching for the sun. The loose strokes give them life, like they're about to dance right off the page. It reminds me a little of Bonnard, that kind of domestic intimacy, but with a touch of Scandinavian coolness. It’s art as a conversation, always echoing and responding. In the end, it’s less about what it is, and more about how it makes you feel.