Under the Green Trees (Summer Landscape) 

Konstantin Makovsky created "Under the Green Trees (Summer Landscape)" using oil paints to capture a vivid impression of the natural world. The materiality of oil paint is key here; its ability to blend seamlessly allows Makovsky to create soft transitions between light and shadow. You see it particularly in the foliage, where a multitude of greens melt into one another. It is the texture of the brushstrokes themselves that give life to the scene, imbuing the landscape with a sense of vitality and movement. Makovsky’s technique is rooted in a tradition of close observation, but also the skilled application of materials. His artistic training, no doubt, honed his ability to capture the subtle nuances of light and atmosphere, reminding us that even the most seemingly straightforward landscape painting is the result of careful craftsmanship. Appreciating the artist’s mastery of materials and techniques allows us to see beyond the surface of the image, revealing the depth and complexity of the natural world.