Salem, Massachusetts 1910

Maurice Prendergast made this watercolor, *Salem, Massachusetts*, location and date unknown, but it’s a feast of dappled light and spontaneous brushstrokes. The color palette is vibrant and playful, dominated by greens, blues, and yellows, creating an atmosphere that feels both serene and lively. It's like the painting was made in one go. Prendergast uses a variety of brushstrokes, from quick dabs to more fluid washes, each mark contributing to the overall sense of movement and energy. The paint is applied in a thin, transparent layer, allowing the white of the paper to shine through and create a luminous effect. The texture is smooth, almost velvety, inviting you to get up close. Look at the way he renders the leaves; they’re not defined individually, but rather as clusters of color. It’s a perfect example of capturing a fleeting moment and reminding me of Cezanne and his obsessive painting process. Art is a constant conversation, an exchange of ideas across time.