Landscape with Ship in Foreground 19th-20th century

Editor: This watercolor is by Denman Waldo Ross, called "Landscape with Ship in Foreground." The washes of color create a dreamy effect, but the ship seems so solid. What do you see in this piece? Curator: I notice how Ross uses the watercolor medium to depict the scene. The process of applying these washes, their layering, and the social context of watercolor painting at this time all speak to the artist's intention. Editor: That's interesting. How so? Curator: Consider how watercolor as a medium was viewed, often associated with amateurism or 'feminine' arts. Ross, by engaging with it, could be challenging or commenting on those boundaries. How does this make you rethink the ship as a 'solid' form? Editor: I guess I assumed it was solid because it's so dark, but now I see the ship is just as much a product of the artistic process. Curator: Precisely. And that process is linked to social and cultural values around art-making. Editor: I hadn't thought of it that way before. Thanks!