In the Woods 

Gustave Loiseau likely painted “In the Woods” outdoors, en plein air, with oils on canvas. Look closely, and you can see how Loiseau built up the scene with distinct, deliberate strokes. This wasn't about photographic accuracy, but about capturing the essence of a fleeting moment. The materiality of the paint itself is key. Notice the impasto texture – where the paint is applied thickly, creating a tactile surface that catches the light. This technique, embraced by the Impressionists, was a departure from the smooth, polished surfaces of academic painting. The amount of labor involved might not be immediately apparent, but consider the artist's commitment to working directly from nature, contending with the changing light and weather. This hands-on approach elevated the status of the artist as a skilled interpreter of the natural world. It blurred the lines between craft and fine art.