Forest edge 1903

Kandinsky made this landscape, Forest Edge, probably sometime in the early 20th century, using oil on cardboard. The image shows thick strokes of greens, yellows, and oranges depicting trees, grass, and the reflections in a body of water. I can imagine Kandinsky, working outdoors with a portable easel, trying to capture the fleeting effects of light and color on the landscape. He must have felt driven to paint, pushing the boundaries of representation, trying to capture the sensation of being there, in the midst of that vibrant scene. You can almost feel him dabbing and daubing, building up a textured surface with a sense of urgency. The density of the brushstrokes conveys a sense of energy and movement, as if the forest itself is alive and breathing. The way he’s used the impasto, thick application of paint, makes me think of Van Gogh. The painting invites us to contemplate the interconnectedness of nature and art. It's a reminder of the power of painting to evoke emotions, memories, and experiences that transcend the visible world.