Morning Effect, Banks of the Yonne River 1905

Francis Picabia painted Morning Effect, Banks of the Yonne River, sometime around 1905, probably in oil paint. What's striking is the way he builds the scene with these little dabs of color. It's all about the process, each stroke a small decision that adds up to a bigger picture. Look closely, and you can see how Picabia uses the texture of the paint to create a sense of depth. The sky is light and airy, with thin, almost transparent layers. But then, down below, the path leading our eye in, is thicker, with more browns and greens, giving a real sense of earthiness. Notice the way he renders the trees, like ghostly figures, with these elongated strokes that capture their height and form. It's as if he's not just painting what he sees, but how he feels being there. You know, looking at this, I’m reminded of Monet, especially his approach to capturing light and atmosphere. But Picabia puts his own spin on it, hinting at the directions he will take in the future with his more experimental work. Art's a conversation, right? Always changing, always questioning.