West Point, Maine 1914

John Marin conjured this view of West Point, Maine, with watercolor on paper. It’s all about process; the way the brush moves is as important as what it depicts. Marin’s mark-making is all about speed and energy. Look at the dabs of green and blue that suggest the foliage; they are laid down with a light touch, almost like he’s sketching with color. The paint is thin and transparent, allowing the white of the paper to shine through, creating a sense of light and air. Notice the energetic scribbles in the foreground. They don’t describe anything specific, but they add a sense of restless movement to the scene. It reminds me of some of Marsden Hartley's Maine paintings, although Marin's touch is more fleeting. Ultimately, this piece embraces ambiguity. It's not about capturing a perfect likeness, but more about capturing the feeling of a place, the energy of a moment.