The Oak 1916

Rose O’Neill made this painting of an oak, with what looks like oil paint, at an unknown date. I just love the way the whole image seems to be breathing, like a living thing. Look at the trunk, those gorgeous blues and grays punctuated with dabs of light. It’s not just brown, is it? It’s alive with color. The leaves aren't just green either; there’s a whole symphony of hues, like she’s trying to capture the way the light filters through the leaves, turning them into a shimmering curtain. It is like you could just reach out and touch the bark, feel the rough texture, the years of growth etched into its surface. O’Neill's painting shares something with Impressionists like Monet, who was also obsessed with capturing the fleeting effects of light and atmosphere, but perhaps with a folkier sensibility. It’s a reminder that art isn’t just about perfect representation; it’s about feeling, about seeing the world in a new way, and inviting others to see it too.