Prophet Elijah in the desert 

Alexander Ivanov rendered this piece, *Prophet Elijah in the desert*, with watercolor and graphite on paper. The transparent, fluid qualities of watercolor allow for delicate washes of color that create a hazy, ethereal atmosphere. Notice the layering of translucent colors which builds up depth and form, especially in the depiction of the rocky landscape and the figures' garments. The medium lends itself to capturing the play of light and shadow, creating a sense of movement. We can clearly see the way Ivanov has worked with the paper, allowing the texture to interact with the pigments, adding a tactile quality to the artwork. In terms of technique, Ivanov would have had to work quickly and intuitively, as watercolor dries rapidly and is difficult to rework, thus capturing the immediacy and spontaneity of artistic creation. The inherent qualities of the materials, and the way they are handled, allow for a richer understanding of the artist's vision. By focusing on materials, making, and context, we can fully appreciate an artwork's meaning.