Low Tide, Revere Beach 1911

Maurice Prendergast made this watercolour, Low Tide, Revere Beach, probably in the early 20th century, using a loose, dappled approach. It's like he's scattering colours across the paper and letting them mingle to create this lively beach scene. Looking closely, you see how the colours aren’t really blended but layered, one next to the other. This gives the painting a shimmering quality. The way he dabs the paint, almost like confetti, makes the whole scene feel like it's in constant motion. See how the figures are barely defined, just suggestions of people in hats and dresses? It's as if Prendergast is more interested in capturing the overall buzz of the beach than individual details. It's a bit like Bonnard, who also had a knack for turning everyday scenes into vibrant, almost dreamlike visions. Prendergast's work reminds us that painting isn't just about representation; it's about feeling, and about capturing a moment. It's about how colours and marks can evoke the joy of a day at the beach, rather than trying to make it look photographically real.