Natural Bridge, Bermuda c. 1901

Winslow Homer made this watercolor painting of Natural Bridge, Bermuda, and it's all about how he used the medium: fluid, transparent washes that somehow give a great sense of solidity. I'm drawn to the rocks in the foreground. Homer’s captured their rugged texture with these short, choppy strokes, like he's jabbing at the paper with his brush. There’s this small pool of turquoise water nestled among the rocks, echoing the larger expanse of the ocean. It's a beautiful moment of reflection and connection. The red blobs are intriguing against the blues and grays of the scene. They pull the eye in and animate the otherwise tranquil scene. Homer’s handling of watercolor reminds me of John Singer Sargent, another master of the medium. Both artists shared a love for capturing light and atmosphere with incredible economy. With its balance of precision and spontaneity, Homer’s "Natural Bridge, Bermuda" invites us to appreciate the beauty and complexity of the natural world.