"Autumn Trees", by John Miller, is an oil painting, likely made with brushes on a prepared canvas. The smoothness of the sky, contrasted with the textured foreground, is made possible by a range of brushstrokes and viscosity of the paint. The artist probably built up these layers gradually, to evoke a damp, cool atmosphere. Oil paint enabled a wide variety of effects: Miller was able to make a durable painting, capturing his perception of a landscape at a specific time. Oil paint is inextricably linked to a system of artistic production, one that depends on pigment sellers, canvas makers, and the broader art market. However, this commercial aspect doesn't diminish the artist's sensitivity to their surroundings. Ultimately, understanding the materials and processes gives us greater appreciation for the artist's work. It is a testament to the enduring appeal of traditional painting techniques.