Rocher À Saint-Palais c. 1892

Armand Guillaumin painted this coastal scene, Rocher À Saint-Palais, using oil paint, a medium made by suspending pigment in oil, usually linseed. The visible brushstrokes speak volumes about the artist’s process. Guillaumin applied the paint in short, deliberate strokes to capture the transient effects of light on the rugged rocks, the restless sea, and the expansive sky. Look closely, and you can see the texture of the canvas beneath, adding another layer of depth to the work. Oil paint enabled artists to blend colors seamlessly, build up layers of texture, and create a sense of depth and atmosphere. The materiality of oil paint allows the artist to create an image that evokes the feeling of being there, on the coast. Paying attention to the materials and processes used in creating this artwork enhances our understanding, highlighting the skill and artistry required to transform humble materials into a captivating image. In doing so, we challenge traditional notions of what constitutes art.