Howard Russell Butler (1856–1934), "Swimming at Bald Head Cliffs," ca. 1915-21, oil on canvasboard, 8 x 10 inches
Alice Hammond
What I like most about small paintings is their sense of character, and the way they often exude personality and charisma through modest proportions. Whereas the size of a large, monumental work conveys its significance—and demands our attention—smaller works must have something else, a special quality to draw us in and compel us to look at them. It’s as though small paintings have to work harder—or at least differently—to get noticed.
Howard Russell Butler’s flourishing strokes depict a bather enjoying swirling, jewel-toned water in Swimming at Bald Head Cliffs, Maine, ca.1915-21. It’s a very loosely painted work, and Butler experimented with a broad palette, throwing dabs of dark green, bright purple, dark blue, orange, gold and deep red across the canvas. He created the swimmer with just a few, quick little strokes—dotting his head with a bright red bathing cap as the finishing touch. Read the rest of this entry »
