Blue Sky 19th-20th century

Curator: Dodge Macknight painted "Blue Sky," a watercolor now held at the Harvard Art Museums. It measures approximately 39 by 57 centimeters. Editor: It’s overwhelmingly bright, isn’t it? Almost aggressively cheerful with those pastel hues. Curator: Macknight was known for his vibrant color palette and prolific output. He really pushed the boundaries of watercolor as a medium. His use of pure pigment, defying traditional techniques, allowed him to capture the landscape's essence. Editor: I wonder about the absence of human figures. Is this supposed to be an Edenic vision, or a commentary on the relationship between labor and the land? The bright colors almost obscure any evidence of cultivation. Curator: He embraced a sort of "plein air" approach, capturing the immediate effects of light and atmosphere. His interest was in the physical sensation of the landscape and how to render it. Editor: It makes me think about the romanticized depictions of nature, and how these visions often erase the realities of those who work the land. Curator: It’s certainly interesting to consider these differing viewpoints. Editor: Absolutely, a painting that prompts us to reflect on art’s engagement with nature and society.