Nocturne in Grey and Gold – Piccadilly 1883

James McNeill Whistler painted 'Nocturne in Grey and Gold – Piccadilly' using thin layers of oil on canvas. Here, Whistler captured the essence of a London evening, using a limited palette to evoke the city's atmosphere. Notice how the subtle variations in tone create a sense of depth, with the buildings and figures emerging from the fog. Whistler's technique involved diluting his paints to create a watercolor-like effect, applying them in translucent washes. This process, unusual for oil painting, allowed him to build up layers of color gradually, achieving a delicate balance between representation and abstraction. In the 19th century, industrialization was transforming cities like London, bringing both progress and pollution. Whistler's nocturnes often reflected this reality, capturing the beauty and the grit of urban life. By emphasizing the aesthetic qualities of his materials and process, Whistler challenged traditional notions of what constituted 'fine art.' He elevated the craft of painting to a level of artistic expression.