Konstantin Gorbatov rendered this impression of boats in the Venetian Lagoon in oil paint, using short, thick strokes. The application of pigment captures light and gives the scene a sense of vitality. Looking closely, you’ll notice Gorbatov’s method of layering color to build form and texture. This is particularly evident in the sails, where heavy impasto creates a tactile surface, almost like stucco. The material properties of the paint – its viscosity and opacity – are essential to the image’s overall effect. The result isn’t just representational but directly physical; the artist’s labor is evident in the built-up, palpable surface of the canvas. In this way, Gorbatov’s painting bridges a divide between the tradition of easel painting and the values of craft, where the hand of the maker is always present. By considering the techniques and materials, we gain a richer appreciation for the work’s expressive power.