‘Twas Long Ago c. 1903

John George Brown made ‘Twas Long Ago’ with oil paints, and looking at it, you can really sense the thoughtful process he must have undertaken. The painting’s palette is quite subdued, dominated by browns, creams, and muted greens. There's a real focus on the materiality of the paint here. It’s not about hiding the brushstrokes; instead, they build up this wonderful texture, especially on the woman's face and hands. Each stroke feels considered, yet the overall effect is soft, and creates an emotional depth. Look at the way the light catches her face, it’s the surface of the paint that really brings her to life, hinting at the stories etched by time. This piece reminds me of some of Whistler’s tonalist works, where the mood is as important as the subject. Both artists find poetry in the everyday, reminding us that art can be a quiet, reflective conversation. Ultimately, art is about feeling, and this painting lets us feel something real.