At the foot of the mountain 1900

Vasily Polenov likely used oil paint applied to canvas, a material that allowed him to capture the nuanced tones and textures of this landscape. The way that Polenov manipulated the paint is really interesting. Notice how he used short, broken brushstrokes to create a sense of light and atmosphere. This technique, which he shared with the Impressionists, is particularly effective in rendering the play of sunlight on the rolling hills and buildings. It's easy to imagine Polenov standing outdoors, quickly capturing the scene before him. Think about the physical act of painting here, too. Polenov would have had to carefully mix his colors, load his brush, and apply the paint with precision. The result is a landscape that feels both immediate and timeless. So, next time you look at a painting, remember that it's not just an image, but a record of a maker's touch, of their engagement with materials and processes.