Gościeradz. Na Odwrocie Exlibris Mariana Swinarskiego I Drukowana Naklejka Desa Warszawa, Ul. Foksal Nr 21, Wypełniona Atramentem Z Opisem Obrazu I Datą 21 Vii 1950, Opatrzona Dwoma Pieczęciami Salonu Desa W Poznaniu, Ul. Ratajczaka Nr 35 1929

This watercolor painting of a building and trees was made by Leon Wyczółkowski. It’s all about the wash, you know? The way watercolor bleeds and blends – it's pure process. Wyczółkowski isn't trying to hide the way the paint moves on the paper. Look at that big tree, standing guard over the building. See how the trunk is rendered with these loose, wet strokes, almost like the tree is breathing? The paint isn’t overworked. It’s like he let the water do its thing, creating this luminous, airy quality. There’s a kind of stillness in the scene, but it's a lively stillness, full of light and color. Wyczółkowski reminds me a bit of John Singer Sargent, another master of watercolor. But while Sargent is all bravado, Wyczółkowski has this quiet, contemplative vibe. Ultimately, it's a painting that embraces the beauty of imperfection.