The Green Coat 1930

Graham Bell made this oil painting, entitled "The Green Coat," using traditional fine art materials. The artist applied the oil paints onto the canvas in fairly broad strokes, creating flattened planes of color. When we consider the material qualities of oil paint, we can see how its inherent characteristics of viscosity and opacity have influenced this appearance. Bell's painting technique reflects the labour of image-making. We see him engaged in a skilled practice, creating a tangible representation of his subject. The application of paint becomes a record of artistic expression. "The Green Coat" can also be understood in the context of class and social issues. The sitter's green coat, his buttoned-up attire, can be interpreted as an attempt to convey dignity and self-respect in the face of economic hardship. Looking at the materials, the making, and the social context allows us to fully understand this artwork, challenging traditional distinctions between fine art and craft.