Blommande hagtorn 1886

Albert Edelfelt created this painting of blossoming hawthorns with oil on canvas. Oil paint’s capacity for layering allows Edelfelt to capture the transient light and color of a spring day. See how he uses short, loose brushstrokes to build up the foliage, giving the trees a sense of volume and depth. Notice also the way he renders the long grass. The layering here creates a tapestry of greens and yellows. This technique is particularly effective, lending the scene a sense of movement and life. Consider the work involved in creating this painting. From preparing the canvas to mixing the paints, Edelfelt relied on a range of skilled techniques to achieve his vision. By emphasizing the materiality and the process of creation, we can appreciate the artist's labor and skill, breaking down any perceived barriers between art and craft.