38th street 

This evocative painting of 38th Street is by Nigel Van Wieck, a twentieth-century artist known for his urban landscapes. Van Wieck’s skilled application of oil paint creates a captivating scene of a snow-covered cityscape. The choice of oil paint is critical here, as the medium allows for the layering of colors to create depth, as well as subtle tonal variations. Notice the smooth brushwork of the snow-laden street compared to the architectural details, which are more precise. The way he has handled the surface conveys a specific atmosphere, capturing the stillness of a city street blanketed in snow. Van Wieck paints a scene of delivery postal trucks during the dark hours of the night or early morning, and the painting hints at the working lives of those who deliver for a living. This artwork goes beyond a mere depiction of urban life and offers an insight into the social fabric of city life. It shows how materials, making, and context combine to challenge distinctions between fine art and social commentary.