September Sunset 1925

James McBey made this etching, September Sunset, with ink on paper. The density of lines here is amazing, like he’s weaving a visual tapestry! This really speaks to the idea of artmaking as a process. It's not just about capturing a scene, but about the act of building it up mark by mark, layer by layer. The texture is crucial; look at how the light dances on the water. You can almost feel the cool dampness in the air. The way he handles the ink, so delicate, it’s like he’s whispering secrets onto the page. And that central spire, how it pierces the sky with such confidence! It's both solid and ethereal, anchoring the scene while reaching for something beyond. It is reminiscent of Whistler’s etchings of Venice, there is that same feeling of a melancholic atmosphere. Ultimately, art like this is all about conversation, an ongoing dialogue between artists, materials, and ideas.