Misty morning, Dora Creek 1915

Julian Ashton gave us this misty morning at Dora Creek with oil on canvas. Imagine Ashton, brush in hand, capturing the quiet stillness of the scene. The muted greens and browns create a hazy atmosphere, like the world is just waking up. The boats, rendered with soft, blurred edges, seem to float between the water and the fog. It's as if Ashton is inviting us to experience the same calm and wonder he felt that morning. The paint is applied in thin washes, allowing the canvas to breathe and adding to the ethereal quality of the scene. A particular stroke defining the boat closest to us catches the light, suggesting a gentle ripple on the water. You can almost hear the soft lapping of waves against the wooden hull. Ashton, with his impressionist leanings, was part of a wider conversation of artists exploring light, mood, and the subjective experience of seeing. He was likely inspired by artists like Whistler, who also loved rendering subtle atmospheric effects. Painting is a back-and-forth between seeing and feeling, a constant exchange of ideas that spans generations. It's about embracing the unknown and trusting that something beautiful will emerge.