Claude Renoir in Clown Costume 1909

Pierre-Auguste Renoir painted this portrait of his son Claude in a clown costume with oils, and the surface has this gorgeous soft, almost chalky feel to it. Renoir's mark-making is so unique, it’s like he's caressing the canvas. Look at how he builds up the layers in Claude’s costume. It's all these gentle strokes of orangey-red, creating depth and volume. The paint isn't thick or gloppy, but it has a certain juiciness; Renoir manages to capture the light as it wraps around the fabric. Then you've got that delicate lace collar; it's just a flurry of tiny, precise touches. Think about other artists who were painting kids around the same time like Mary Cassatt, there's this same kind of tender observation and affection. Art's all about seeing and feeling, and Renoir makes me feel like I'm right there with him, watching Claude play dress-up.