Morning, Venice 1908

Donald Shaw MacLaughlan made this small print of Venice using etching, a process of mark-making with acid on metal, resulting in an image of incredible detail. I imagine him bent over the plate, coaxing the image into being line by line. The overall impression of the print is light and airy, but when you look closely, the marks are incredibly dense, with a palpable sense of energy. Look at the lines describing the boats – see how they’re not just outlines, but also capture the subtle reflections in the water? It feels like you're right there with the artist, feeling the cool morning air, observing the delicate balance of light and shadow. MacLaughlan’s work reminds me of Whistler’s etchings, a similar interest in capturing fleeting atmospheric effects with simple means. He is part of an ongoing conversation between artists, each finding new ways to express their vision of the world. It is an intimate glimpse into a moment in time, rendered with incredible sensitivity and skill.