Studies of a Baby 

Thomas Eakins created this oil on board painting, titled "Studies of a Baby". Eakins' painting process here is fascinating. It's all about the directness of the brushstroke, a way of capturing fleeting moments. You can almost feel him, standing there, quickly trying to capture the essence of the baby's presence. He’s not interested in smooth finish or careful detail, but the light, volume, and movement. The texture of the paint is raw, almost like he's sculpting with it. The earth tone palette provides a backdrop for this exercise in immediacy. The rapid marks convey the vivacity of the child, suggesting a modern sensibility. It feels like he's breaking away from academic tradition and getting closer to the real stuff of life. And it is precisely this commitment to materials, making, and context that challenges the distinction between fine art and craft. The way it's made is just as important as what it depicts.