Coast Scene, Bathers
1884
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
1884
oil
From the collection of Art Institute of Chicago
You see a small beach scene: pale blue sky, gray water, and a strip of sand with tiny figures splashing or lounging. Whistler painted this quickly, outdoors, using just a few brushstrokes to suggest waves and people. The colors are soft, almost like a watercolor, but it’s oil paint—thin and dry. If you like how light looks on water, try glazing—layering transparent paint to build up a glow.
