The Woolworth Building from the Ferry 1914

Rachael Robinson Elmer made "The Woolworth Building from the Ferry" with what looks like watercolor or gouache; the light is so atmospheric. It's like she's not just painting a building, but also the feeling of a place and a time. Look at how she handles the sky; it’s not just blue but a mix of blues and grays, giving a real sense of depth. The building itself, the Woolworth, is bathed in this warm, golden light that contrasts with the cooler tones around it. It’s like she’s playing with warm and cool, light and shadow, to create a mood. Then there's the water, with these little strokes of color that suggest movement and reflection. It's all about capturing a fleeting moment, a quick impression of this iconic building from a specific vantage point. It reminds me a little of Whistler's moody cityscapes, a similar interest in capturing the poetics of urban life. Like all good art, it leaves you with more questions than answers, and that's what keeps us coming back.