Hillside Pasture 1924

Willard Metcalf painted this scene of a “Hillside Pasture” using oils, though the date of its creation isn’t known. The earthy palette here is gorgeous and autumnal; Metcalf doesn't mix his colours too much, so the marks are clearly visible. Look closely and you can see how the paint is applied in small, broken touches, especially in the foliage, a clear demonstration of the artist’s physical engagement with the painting process. I love the textured surface he creates. The paint isn’t too thick, but it’s present, and you can feel the bristles of the brush as he lays down the strokes. The dark line of the stone wall is a key element, cutting across the scene and providing a sense of structure amidst the foliage, and it speaks to the artist’s ability to find balance within the wildness of nature. The layering of colours and textures reminds me of some of the later landscapes of Bonnard, especially in the way that both artists capture the mood, light, and energy of their subjects.