Waiting 1917

Nicholas Roerich made this painting, “Waiting,” with what looks like thin layers of oil paint, maybe with some turpentine to make it flow, but who knows? I can feel the artist standing there, looking at the scene. It’s like Roerich wasn't trying to capture a scene, but rather a feeling, a mood. See how the blues and whites blend together to create this sense of vastness? The paint is thin, washy almost, which gives the whole thing this ethereal quality. That figure in the foreground feels so alone but at peace, like they’re part of the landscape. And those mountains in the distance, they’re not just mountains, they’re these majestic, almost dreamlike forms. Roerich was deeply interested in spirituality and symbolism, and there are so many layers to his practice that invite curiosity and reflection. His paintings create a space for contemplation.