The Docks 1935

This etching, "The Docks", by Charles Wheeler Locke, pulls you in with its smoky, gritty feel. The artist really commits to a limited palette, all those greys creating atmosphere. You can tell Locke's interested in process, in the push and pull of light and shadow, and how that shapes the scene. Look at the textures – the smooth metal of the ships contrasting with the rough stone of the buildings. The artist uses this tight, controlled mark-making to build the drama, the weight of the bridge looming over the everyday lives of the dockworkers. That small cluster of figures in the foreground, maybe gambling or just killing time, feels so human against the cold, industrial landscape. It reminds me of the etchings of Whistler, that same attention to detail, but with a uniquely American flavour. It's all about capturing a moment, a vibe, instead of trying to tell you exactly what to think.