La Montera. Segovia Girl in Fiesta Costume 1912

Robert Henri painted "La Montera, Segovia Girl in Fiesta Costume" with oil on canvas sometime in the early 20th century. What strikes me is the dynamic brushwork, it's so free! Look at how Henri captures the girl's traditional costume with these lively strokes and a rich palette. It feels like he's right there with her, capturing a moment in time. You can almost feel the texture of the fabric in the girl's clothes; the paint is applied with such energy, creating a vibrant surface. I love the way Henri uses color to define the folds and contours of her dress, creating a sense of depth and movement. Look at the bold black outlines contrasting with the splashes of red and gold. Henri reminds me of Manet, in the way that he is unafraid to embrace the fluidity of paint and leave traces of his process visible. It’s this kind of willingness to take risks and embrace the unknown that makes art so exciting! There’s always more to discover beyond the surface.