Scarlet Sails (Overseas guests) 1903

Nicholas Roerich painted Scarlet Sails, or Overseas Guests, with tempera, and you can really see his hand at work. The paint application is so direct, almost like fresco; it’s matte, chalky, and light, really emphasizing the process. Looking at the way Roerich layers the paint, there's this tangible quality, especially in the sails. Notice how they're not just red, but a mix of reds and oranges, creating a sense of depth and movement. It makes me think of the physical act of painting itself – the pushing and pulling of color, the way one layer interacts with another, each stroke a decision. The water is especially nice, with its dark blues and browns and these flecks of white and orange. What I love is how Roerich reduces the waves to small dashes of paint, it’s like he’s conjuring a sea out of pure gesture. It reminds me of Klimt or maybe even Hodler. It really makes you think about how art is a conversation across time, and how artists borrow and riff off each other. I love that it remains open-ended and open to possibility.