An Italian Garden 1909

William Merritt Chase made this painting of an Italian Garden, probably with oil on canvas, and I'm thinking it's all about light. Chase's painting feels like a moment, captured quickly. You can see the brushstrokes, how the paint is applied wet-on-wet, and the overall sense of freedom. It’s like he was chasing the light as it flickered across the garden. I imagine he set up his easel right there, trying to get it all down before the sun moved. The colors are so vibrant, especially the reds and greens, and the way they blend together creates this hazy, dreamy effect. For me, painting is a way of figuring things out. Like, you start with a feeling, or an idea, and then you just kind of go with it, letting the paint lead you. It's all about experimenting, taking risks, and not being afraid to mess up. I feel that in this painting. It reminds me that art is a conversation, and we are always building on what others have done before us.