On Kama 1919

Arkady Rylov painted this seascape, “On Kama,” with oil on canvas, and the brushwork feels like a conversation between the sky and the sea. Rylov's handling of paint is so direct. He applies it in strokes and dashes that don't try to hide themselves, capturing the feeling of wind and water moving across a vast space. Look at the waves. See how the artist loads the brush and drags the pigment across the canvas creating not only the form but also the essence of water. It’s like he’s saying, “This is paint, and this is how I’m using it to make you feel something.” I can really relate to that! The painting reminds me of some of those cool Baltic painters, like Helene Schjerfbeck, who were also trying to capture the raw energy of nature in their work. Art’s an ongoing chat, right? It’s never about having the last word but about keeping the conversation going.