Nag Lake. Kashmir. 1937

Nicholas Roerich made this painting, "Nag Lake, Kashmir," capturing a serene landscape. Roerich uses a muted palette, mostly blues and greens, creating a calming, almost dreamlike atmosphere. The way he simplifies the mountains, using flat planes of color, makes me think about the process of reduction. It’s like he's distilled the essence of this place, leaving only what’s absolutely necessary. Look at the highlights on the mountain peaks, just little dabs of orange. They catch the eye and add a touch of warmth to the cool tones. The texture of the paint seems smooth, maybe even a bit glossy, which enhances the stillness of the scene. Roerich's approach reminds me of someone like Agnes Martin, in the way they both aim to achieve a sense of tranquility and contemplation through their work. Ultimately, this landscape isn’t just a picture, it's a feeling.