After-Glow (or Evening) on the Findhorn 1907

David Young Cameron made this etching, "After-Glow (or Evening) on the Findhorn," with incredible control, but also with the looseness that defines a great printmaker. The tone is subdued; the blacks are velvety, and the lighter areas seem to glow from within. Looking closely, you see the scratches and lines, the artist's hand making marks on the plate. In the lower left, there's this tangle of scribbled lines, almost like a nervous energy grounded in the solid dark form of the treeline above. It's a grounded sort of chaos, and a reminder that even in a quiet scene, there's always a lot going on, just under the surface. Cameron reminds me of Whistler in his ability to be precise, but also leave room for ambiguity. He has a light touch, and a willingness to let the process lead the way. What a gift.