The artwork entitled “Alicia’s Azaleas on St. Mary’s River,” created by Ivan Albright in 1962, embodies the landscape genre and reflects elements characteristic of the Impressionism art movement. With dimensions of 30.1 x 45.6 cm, this painting is a medium-sized canvas that captures the lush scenery of nature.
Upon inspection of the artwork, one can observe a vibrant cluster of azaleas situated beside the serene waters of St. Mary’s River. The brushstrokes exhibit a degree of looseness and a focus on the interplay of light and color, which are hallmarks of the Impressionist style, albeit with a distinctly personal touch that could lean towards a more individual interpretation rather than a strict adherence to the Impressionist doctrine.
The foreground is rich with a tapestry of azaleas rendered in various shades of pink, red, and white, which immediately draw the viewer’s attention. The middle ground is interspersed with darker green tones, portraying the density of foliage and the shadowy depths of the forest. In the background, treetops and hints of the sky can be faintly discerned through the botanical array, providing a sense of depth and context to the verdant setting.
The overall composition of the artwork is balanced, with the azaleas providing a bright focal point against the more subdued backdrop of greens and browns. Albright’s use of color and shadow creates a dynamic atmosphere that suggests the transient quality of natural light filtering through the trees, an effect often sought by Impressionists to capture a momentary impression of the scene before them.
